I mentioned last week that we are taking a big trip. Here’s the deal: We are headed to Florida where we will spend a week and a half, then we are flying to Mississippi to a family reunion, then we are flying back to Florida for another week. Sound crazy? It is.
But, as you probably figured out, this trip is not just your average family vacation. There’s a big long story behind it all, and I won’t go into great detail here, but I will say this:
1. We are church planters.
2. Sometimes church planting is very hard.
3. We are tired.
4. Very tired.
5. Our elders and overseers saw our weariness and recommended a sabbatical.
6. We said “Hallelujah” and “Thank you Jesus”
7. A kind and generous family friend offered us his condo in Sarasota, Florida.
8. We said “Hallelujah” and “Thank you Jesus”
So we are headed south. We have no plans. Zero. Zippo. Zilch. The condo is on the beach and it has a pool. I’ve done some research and found plenty of things we could do if we feel like it. And if we don’t feel like it, that’s fine too.
I am feeling a desperate need to get away, breathe deeply, and refocus on what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. I need time to look at my children and listen to their thoughts and ideas. I want to look at my husband and dream about the future together without the pressures of real life closing in on us.
Just to be clear: We are doing okay. Really. I promise. We have no plans to leave the church or make other drastic moves concerning ministry. In fact, in the last several weeks, we have been more encouraged than we’ve been in a very long time. I can’t tell you how much we love our church family and our community. Nothing “big” has happened to drive us to this. It’s simply time for a break and we are taking it.
We are leaving Sunday afternoon and when I think of all that needs to be done between now and then I want to curl into the fetal position and suck my thumb. But it will get done, I know it will. I just won’t be sleeping much, that’s all.
I plan to keep blogging through this time, unless I don’t feel like it. But I generally find writing to be relaxing so I’m hoping to keep writing on here, but if not, you’ll know it’s because I’m way too busy doing nothing.
One more thing: I know it sounds cliche’ but we really do desire your prayers for our family and this time together. Please pray that it would be refreshing for us as a family and also for us as ministry leaders. We need energy for the next leg of our race!
Thinking of you!