Sunday, January 15, 2012

Yes.

You might not think it like me, and if you knew me well, you might really wonder about such.  But it's true.  Yes.  I am.

I am going on Sabbatical for the months of February and March 2012.  The thing that may seem odd is indeed odd.  At least it feels so to me.  Who would ever have thought that I would do such a thing?  Such a thing as this, I mean.  It's not what you'd expect if you knew me.

But then, if you really know me, maybe it isn't so odd.  In all these years, I wouldn't have thought myself capable of such.

In early February, I fly to South Africa for six weeks in a monastery.  See, I told you it was odd.  I'm not planning on becoming a monk. (Goodness! What a thought.)  It's a monastery connected with the religious non-profit where I serve.  It's not a cloistered order, so I won't be "locked up" or anything.  I will do some service, some prayer, a bit of contemplation, and rest.

I know what you're thinking.  "Why does this guy get a sabbatical and I don't?"  Well, it's complicated, I suppose.  But this line of work can be taxing in ways that no other line of work can be.  Not many, anyway.  And, I don't get to go to conferences in luxurious places or even business travel.  And, I work just about every f&%$~"g weekend and holiday.  Plus some other odd hours.  It isn't about the time spent in work as much as the intensity and nature of it.  It requires not much physical labor, but an inordinate amount of emotional labor.

I'm awed, excited, honored, and terrified.

6 comments:

Michael Dodd said...

I am happy to hear that you have this opportunity and that you are taking it. Only a few people IMHO are called to spend a lifetime in a monastery, but almost everyone would benefit from a monastic experience. The gift will unfold each day before you.

The word verification for this comment is "inineou", which I will interpret as "Go in, go in and discover a new you."

Ur-spo said...

I am mad-jealous!
I would love to do this. Lucky sod!

Birdie said...

This sounds fascinating, and I look forward to reading about it upon your return. Have a wonderful time not being needed by anyone. You have earned it.

gerry said...

Have a great retreat and sabbatical. I'm looking forward hearing about your experience. I've been considering something along the same lines...

publius100 said...

God bless you, my friend, and keep you close to his heart.

Butterfly Mage said...

That is pretty cool that you get to travel to such exotic locations. I hope it is both fulfilling and educational. Blessings :)