For some time now I have been trying to define the difference between and vacation and a sabbatical. I'm not sure that I have all the answers or that I even know how to put what I do know into words. What I do know, by experience, is that they are not the same. When I am on vacation, I take a total break from my work. A textbook pastoral sabbatical, on the other hand, is about one third work and one third R & R to get ready to go back to work. I don't know what my ratios have been. I do know that I have worked and I have had some wonderful rest time.
This summer I have taken classes and read books. I have cleaned up some files and set up a new computer for my work. I have read a pile of great books. I have done some decorating in my church office. I have answered the phone and enjoyed conversations with church members on the other end of the line. I have visited with a number of church members whose paths happened to cross mine. And I have had the privelege of making a hospital visit and bereavement visit this summer. I have checked out a number of churches in the area to see what I could learn.
This has been a sabbatical. I think that the balance of work and rest has played well for me. And I am grateful for this wonderful gift of time to better balance my life and ministry for the future.
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My observation is that vacations are a break from work and sabbaticals are an opportunity for professional growth or accomplishment that would not ordinarily be possible without a block of time away from the usual demands of ones work.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm sure that R and R can and does play a role in sabbatical and I have heard of working vacations.
Whatever the case, I believe your time has been well spent.