This time I’m taking an indefinite leave and waiting until I sense the Lord calling me to return to pastoral ministry, if He does. I know that I can minister to others whether I’m serving at a church or not & I’m slowly beginning to reach out to people as the pandemic restrictions are lifting just to catch up, etc. Since most people know me as a pastor, there’s always a sense of this role beneath the surface, whether it’s in their mind or just mine. Thankfully, I’ve been able to break from my usual pattern of responding in my “two-ness” and just enjoy their company, trusting that God will do what He will do & I don’t have to do anything.

It has been a rich season of concentrating on my own relationship with God and leaning into His presence, His Word and becoming more aware of how He reaches out to me in love daily. Part of this is due to working with a spiritual director who helps me see & think about things from a different perspective & encourages the progress I’m making in developing a rhythm of life that is more aware of what God is doing in & around me.

I have never felt so free, beloved or thankful in my life!

Yes. Well said.

Thank you for your honesty. I think many of us feel like we’ve fallen out of our normal rhythms–for all sorts of reasons–and it is time to return! I suggest Invitation to Solitude and Silence b/c it is short chapters with a practice at the end of each chapter to help you “walk in” to this invitation simply and step by step. In writing it this way, it was my desire to take readers by the hand and walk in together. You could choose a consistent time each day to read and then practice. OR take more extended time on the weekend to read a short chapter and practice–maybe even as part of your Sabbath. I wish you God’s best…God is so faithful to come into any space we create for him!!