Long Talk….

I never expected to quote William Faulkner on the first day of my sabbatical. I really haven’t thought about William Faulkner since my freshman year in college. It was a requirement of the class to read many of his short stories. I believe the quote that I read early this morning speaks to the intent of my sabbatical. Faulkner says, “The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself.” What a powerful quote!!!! Whether it be sermon writing, blog posting, or just living life my heart is at conflict with itself. I may be preaching to the choir, but I believe the conflictive heart is an epidemic that society refuses to address. It appears to me that we have become a society quick to address the conflict with have with others before looking within. Perhaps this is easier than peeling back the layers of our life and admit that the root too many of our conflicts are from within. Maybe the first step of my sabbatical is admitting to myself that my heart is conflictive in so many ways.

On this first day of my sabbatical, much to my surprise it was a normal day in the life of Tom. I didn’t hear the audible voice of God, or even spot a white dove appear as the heavens opened. As I read my devotional and journaled, I gave myself permission to say and mean, “In Christ, I am enough”, In Christ, I am enough”. When tempted to turn on the television, or add more to what needed to be done, I prayed again, “In Christ, I am enough.” At first this was very uncomfortable, but as the day went it became easier and easier.

I am ready to begin this journey called a sabbatical. I sense God wanting to peel back some layer in my own life that will bring deeper understanding and healing. When I have heard or read the word “hospice”, I immediately think of end of life care. I also give thanks to those who have answered the call to enter hospice ministry. However, today I learned the deeper and older meaning of the word hospice. I think it’s called Archaic. This meaning of hospice is simply a lodging for travelers. I love this meaning and image. For me, hospice isn’t the newest hotel, bed and breakfast, or even airbnb. I believe the lodging that is being provided is with God our Creator. This is a safe place where one can find healing, energy, purpose for the journey ahead. The vision that comes to my mind are of the matriarchs and patriarchs of faith. Our desert mothers and fathers who have made this long journey before me.

Be Well,

Tom