So what exactly is a sabbatical?

When the subject of a sabbatical first came up at Lay Credo #9 (they were very insistent that I consider such a thing) I had no real idea what it really meant.  To be honest I’m still not sure.  So let’s do some definitional work.

Sabbatical – “…one takes sabbatical typically to fulfill some goal…” (wikipedia),  “…any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, esp. for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc…” (Dictionary.com)

Word Origin & History

sabbatical 

1645, “of or suitable for the Sabbath,” from L. sabbaticus, from Gk. sabbatikos “of the Sabbath” (see Sabbath). Meaning “a year’s absence granted to researchers” (originally one year in seven, to university professors) first recorded 1886 (the thing itself is attested from 1880, at Harvard), related to sabbatical year (1599) in Mosaic law, the seventh year, in which land was to remain untilled and debtors and slaves released.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper

 So we’re talking about the same root concept as that sabbath and it’s commonly connected with Biblical concepts like the worker being told to not work the field every seventh year and God’s sabbath in resting on the seventh day.  It’s very common in academic circles and among the clergy.  The concept has grown in some other circles as a chance to give valued employees a chance to grow personally or professionally.  It’s also intended to revive them physically, mentally and/or spiritually to better prepare them to return to their tasks.  My hope and I believe the intent of the original Credo push was to offer me just that chance.  I’m grateful to Bishop Garrison for being as enthusiastic in his support of the concept as he has been.

The one thing to note is that it isn’t a vacation.  Some folks have some trouble finding the dividing line on that.  I’m not supposed to just be goofing off.  This is supposed to get me back at the job in better spirits and prepared to dig in again.  After 9+ years doing this job I’ll admit I’m probably a little toasty around the edges.  Even diocesan youth ministry is not a 9-5 job.  Days can be very long and a lot of people come to count on you.  While it doesn’t (or in my case at least hasn’t) become a burden it does become a weight.  Helping me shift that weight, become better prepared to pick up that weight is the goal of the sabbatical.

At least that’s what I think right now.  My sabbatical period is the shortest that seems to be generally accepted.  Which is just fine.  I’m looking forward to the roughly 60 days of sabbatical time.  I’m trying to give myself a general direction and some ideas to explore without falling into my usual bad habit of over planning.

The greatest challenge up front is that my sabbatical will be self directed and done from home.  That is a tough way to do it.  So many distractions.  My plan is to use this blog as a kind of accountability group.  Everyone and anyone can check in to see what I’m doing.  Posting here on a very regular basis (at least 4 times a week, probably daily to start) will keep me honest on what I’m reading, thinking, doing.  I hope to use video blogging as well as written.  I may even come up with some other bits along the way.  We’ll see.  I have also asked some folks to help me with some local check in in person as well.

So that’s my thoughts on sabbatical at the moment.  It’s exciting and a little puzzling and a little scary for me all at the same time.  I’ll tell you more about “the goal” I’ll be working towards in a little while.  Don’t want to jump the gun too soon.

Peace