Today marks day 86 of my sabbatical from my teaching and administrative duties at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Using my very inadequate math skills, I believe that 100 days remain until I return to campus on January 4, 2012. I have accomplished much during these 83 days yet, I have a lot more to complete in the days ahead.
I have learned so much about “me” during my time off. This is the longest stretch of my adult life that I’ve had no real schedule to dictate my days. I’ve actually waited more than 30 years to have an opportunity like this. I’ve always been driven by a daily schedule – practice times in athletics, class time, appointments, meetings, and so much more. During the past few months I have found out that it’s not easy to drop a schedule oriented lifestyle. I even went so far as to actually try to create a schedule for myself …. Until my wonderful wife, Kiki, told me to stop it! In her words she proclaimed that this sabbatical was about recovery, rejuvenation, discovery, and rest! I’m not supposed to have a schedule according to her – and she’s right!
I’ve also taken a significant inventory of my heart, body, mind, and soul. I have pondered what God has in store for me. I have laughed and cried more in the past 86 days than at any point in my 53 years. God is doing much work in areas of my life that needed an overhaul. I had to let go of some things and allow Him to tear down walls – repair deep recesses of my heart and mind – and prepare me for the path that He has prepared for me. God is not through with this remodel and I look forward to the result of what He has in store for me.
Typically I’m a very forward thinker and it has been difficult for me to step back and think about the HERE and NOW. I have made an effort to retool my thought process. I have loosened the ties to the calendar, day-timer, check lists, and expectations that strangled me. I have allowed God to direct my days and it has been enlightening to say the least.
So, what has God got planned for me down the road? To be frank, I have no idea! But, I wait on His perfect timing to complete the work that He has started in me. My desire is to please Him and I will give it my ALL in order to ensure that He is pleased with my labor and that others will see the evidence of Him in my life.
This is my blog – so, I can give all the advice that I want to give! At the risk of sounding like Dr. Phil or one of those other “self help” coaches, here’s my suggestion to you – drop the schedule for a few days and allow God to take control. Oh, sure you have to stay on track for your family, job, friends, etc. But, just relax for a day or two – chill out and listen for God’s voice through others and through all that surrounds you. Drop the pretense that you must be constantly busy and allow God to do a good work in you! I think that you’ll learn, as I have, that we are chained to a life that we have created for ourselves instead of one that God has planned for us!
Under HIS Grace…
Chris
