One of the values of having not only a vacation but some sabbatical time to reflect is the realization of how much energy and time is spent in simply keeping the machinery running in church life. The weekly deadlines, emails, financials, meetings, phone calls, communications through various means, and did I mention meetings? While all of those are important I am reminded that they sometimes can cover up some of the more important questions. "If Jesus were sitting in this meeting with us, what would He want us to talk about?" "Instead of what we want to have in worship, what would God want to have present in us to decide whether to show up?" "Is my relationship with God any different than it was a year ago?" "Do I keep wanting the message to conform to what I already believe or am I ready to be challenged to grow?"

Just like everyone else, I find it easy to just fall into the weeklyl rhythm of things and forget to ask the important questions. But to do so is disastrous. I'm gratefull for the time and distance to reflect.