Learning the unforced rythems of Grace...

When I sat down with my supervisor to compile a list of goals for these three months of sabbatical, I had full intentions of updating my blog weekly with reflections and also some articles that I have been wanting to write for some time.

There are several reasons why six weeks later this is my first post. The first being that it was only when I took a step back from my responsibilities that it became overwhelmingly apparent to me how truly exhausted and spent I had become. I so needed rest.  Secondly, these past few weeks have proved to be the most sacred and special time spent with Jesus.  Many of the things I've been learning from His word and chats I have had with Jesus are too personal to share here.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus, 

Oh, what words I hear Him say!

Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day;

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last. 

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.

Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As I sit low at Thy feet;
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.

This is a song I came across near the beginning of sabbatical.  As I listened to this familiar old hymn written by Joseph L Hall, I vowed in my heart that I would not waste this precious time given to me.  There are still goals I want to accomplish and a list of things I want to do but by the end of this sabbatical I want to prove I've been with Jesus.

How timely it has been to celebrate and reflect back on the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation.  I've been learning how the Reformation changed the culture of Western civilization.  Like many churches we had a sermon series where we focused on the five solos.

1. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
2. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
3. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
4. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
5. Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.

In our Christian evangelical circles, we speak and sing of grace through Jesus Christ so often that we forget how truly unique this gift to us is.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

As evangelicals it may be our default position to point at individuals and churches who are caught up in religious rituals which add to who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.  In my time of Bible study and reflection I have been reminded how easy it is for us all to forget that grace through Jesus Christ is enough.  It is more then enough. Is our Christian identity rooted in our upbringing, the church we attend, the Christian circles we socialise in or the ministry we are called to?  Do we find our self worth and value in these things?  They are all good things.  But, it is Christ alone who we should identify with.  

I am grateful for this calling God placed on my life.  I have often referred to one of my favourite quotes from Amy Carmichael. “Give me the Love that leads the way, The Faith that nothing can dismay, The Hope no disappointments tire, The Passion that'll burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod, Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God”  It is wonderful to have a clear purpose, focus and drive.  But, there are times when there is such a longing to do more. It can be a torture.  This sacred time of sabbatical has given me the space and time to reflect and realise again what my priorities should be, where I should channel my energy and to live a life that is well balanced.  I love how the Message version reads in Matthew 11:28.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

What we've been up to:     

•  Celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary at the Old Wardour Castle in Shaftsbury
• Attending training on relating to Muslims: 'Who is your Neighbour'
• A trip to Cambridge to visit FI colleagues, international cafe, Bible study and an art gallery 
• Make some lifestyle/diet changes for my overall health.
• Enjoying time with Gary as we have walked along the coast and in the New Forest. 
• Enjoying my favourite season, Autumn in the beautiful area we are so blessed to live in.
• Started a Bible study overview.
• Join in on a Lifegroup at church (we missed being a part of a Life Group while launching PIC).
• Meet up with friends for tea.
• Art: drawing and learning how to do watercolour.
• Clear out a closet and clean the fridge (how therapeutic).