1 month countdown

In one month I will begin my renewal leave. I'm so thankful for the Lilly Endowment and that White Rock UMC was one of 233 congregations selected nationwide and the only United Methodist Church in Texas that was chosen for its National Clergy Renewal Program. 

I can't quite wrap my head around the idea that I won't be living and breathing church for four months beginning May 1. The theme for the grant proposal was Joy as the Heartbeat of Renewal. I'll return to Japan with my family where I first felt my call to ministry. White Rock UMC will have an evening with an improv group, a snow cone truck visit after church, and a magician's show with a catered dinner. 

I'm looking forward to rediscovering renewal through rest, relationships, and sacred places. 

Now the countdown begins. One month to finish the "binder of all the things" for Margo. Margo is the gift from God who will handle all day-to-day pastoral duties. One month to make all the pastoral visits and try to cross some things off the to-do list. Before I know it the month will have passed. 

Deep breaths...

Journaling

 I recently began writing in a 5-year journal.  There are just a few lines for each day and there are five lined sections with the same date across five years. I was drawn to journaling again because I don't have to write much and I liked the idea that I could look back and see what I was worrying about in previous years.  I have been consistent in writing each day which is unique for me. I hope its layout will help me build a sustainable daily journal practice. It takes 21 days to make something a habit, so hopefully I am creating habits that I will continue. Some days I write about good things that have happened, some days I write about what I am worrying about, some days I write about what I am grateful for. 

Today I wrote about holding a baby. What a gift.