Friends,
The first word that comes out of my mouth when anyone asks about this sabbatical opportunity is “grateful.” I am abundantly grateful for a wonderful congregation that sees the value in sabbatical, an amazing team of colleagues and leaders who make it easy to know things are in good hands, and the same amazing team that made it hard to say, “see you soon.”

When I began my sabbatical, I knew I would spend my time focusing on three things:
1. Rest!
2. Prayer
3. Work with a coach

Over the last few weeks, I have enjoyed moments spent in each of these spaces. Rest looks a bit different than my normal patterns. Rather than early to bed and shortcuts that help me to find a few quiet moments I have found myself trading convenience for joy. For example: swapping Instacart for the farmers market, Amazon for a walk through Park Road Books, multitasking for intentional time. It has been a joyful time to connect with things I love and see a city I’ve called home for ten years with a fresh lens. For example, on a recent run, I saw a long chalk art display I had never noticed. What a gift to be able to slow down and recapture a sense of awe for what is right in front of me.
Before sabbatical began, I knew I wanted to consider and connect with my prayer life with greater purpose. A busy schedule and two toddlers vying for your attention often means prayer gets cut short. I’ve focused my attention on prayer by talking about it, reading about it, and most importantly just jumping into it. I’ve enjoyed great conversations with friends and acquaintances across various faith traditions learning about their prayer life, read some great books, and stopped multitasking prayer with multiple other things and let it be the gift it is.

You might enjoy reflecting on or asking a friend to talk with you about the questions I’ve taken to asking others:
1. What comes to mind for you when you first think of prayer?
2. Is there a prayer you pray often or something that helps you pray?
3. Except for time, what things get in the way of your prayer life?
4. Is there a time you can remember when prayer was especially helpful in your life?
5. What do you wish your prayer life would look like?
6. In the mist of a full/chaotic life where, if at all, does prayer show up naturally or do you create time for it?

Finally, I have had the joy of working with Trace Haythorn, a wonderful coach as I continue to grow in my ministry. While on sabbatical I’ve enjoyed learning more about the Enneagram a tool I honestly had long disregarded as “not my style.” Learning more about my own leading type has helped me consider how I use my gifts well and look toward my own growth. I can’t wait to share more with you when I get back!

Little moments of awe are all around me, most are found in things like watermelon on the porch with the two sweetest girls I know, but all around are God’s rich blessings. Here are a few shots of the moments of awe.

Our family is headed to Northern Michigan soon and we look forward to more time together, cooler days, and the rich gifts found in lake sunsets, sandy dunes, and good conversation with a view.

Here are a few of my favorite things I’ve read, listened to, and enjoyed this month:
1. Sister Wendy on Prayer by Wendy Beckett
2. Earth to Earth by M.M. Lindvall (yes, I know them)
3. Ghosts of Crook County by Russell Cobb
4. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
5. The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type Sandra C. Smith
6. Leading With Purpose (Harvard Business Review)
7. The Next Right Thing Podcast by Emily P. Freeman
8. What To Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking by Caroline Chambers
9. A good journal
10. The swings and a good book at Camp North End

Thank you for this abundant gift.
With love,
Grace