Stop and Notice
You have made known to me the paths of life.
You will fill me with joy in your presence.
Psalm 16:11
As ‘normal’ life can sometime be so hectic I really wanted to use my sabbatical to take time to just slow down. I wanted to stop and notice: to notice my relationship with God, to notice creativity all around me and to enjoy time with friends and family.
God
The first part of my sabbatical was spent at Holland House, near Evesham on a retreat. It was a beautiful space to think, pray and chat with a spiritual director.
A significant God moment for me came when I stumbled over a broken step and recognised that life has times when we might feel like a broken step, but God is always there, a firm solid path beneath us. On my return home I continued reflecting, enjoying time in my garden and time to read.
Creativity
I did a photography course, something I have wanted to do for a long time and taking photographs remained an important part of my sabbatical. I enjoyed the gift of creativity at the London Festival of Model Railways, the Threads Through Creation exhibition, and watching the ballet Cinderella at Covent Garden.
Picture by Sarah Wickett
Friends and Family
I so enjoyed having the space for life-giving times with family and friends. The highlight was celebrating my daughter’s 21st birthday at Easter. Such a joy to dance together at the ceilidh party and to cook a roast dinner for 22 in my manse!
It was such a pleasure to have time to notice and enjoy spring: at home, in North Wales and Cornwall. I delighted in photographing Welsh lambs, ducklings and spring flowers.
I am looking forward to being back at work and re-connecting with you all. I plan to use my new-found photography skills to enrich my ministry and am looking forward to harvesting the vegetables I planted in my garden in the spring!
Psalm 16:11 reminds me:
You have made known to me the paths of life
You will fill me with joy in your presence.
As I return to work I look forward to exploring with you all that God invites us to pay attention to as we serve our community together.
See more photos and hear more about Sarah’s sabbatical by watching the video: