How Was The Sabbatical?

Sabbatical goals included improving conversational Spanish, writing another book and learning how to sail.

Spanish has developed at the International Ministry of Proclamation (IMP) and Lansing Community College.  Ministerio Internacional de Proclamación members have patiently walked alongside learning efforts.  Lansing Community College classes provided theories, but Spanish-speaking believers concretized the learning.  Sunday worship, Tuesday prayer meetings and a mid-week home study created a rhythm of trial, error and correction.

Trial, error and correction littered the book-writing effort.  A trusted editor reviewed the draft and suggested revisions.  Sabbath will expire before the book is complete.

Twenty-four hours of sailing instruction were completed at the Michigan State University Sailing Center.  Staff members introduced sailing knots, wind recognition and disaster recovery.  In pairs and eventually on a solo voyage, theories were applied.  Solo adventures across Lake Lansing are now habitual. 

Time away was also reserved for discernment.  Prayer, solitude and a perpetual conversation with Naudia yielded next steps:

1. Continue working out my salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12)
2. Keep matrimonial promises
3. More prayer, and less pester, in lives of adult children
4. Embrace a career that demands spiritual fervor (Rom 12:11)
5. Love my extended family in Jesus' name
6. Show up to world citizenship opportunities

A six-month sabbatical is ending as a testament of God's trustworthiness.  Gratitude abounds for the seven-member advisory board.  Naudia, Christian and Catherine Pickens are answers to the prayers of my parents: Patricia and Alex Pickens Jr. 

Resuming Christian outreach among first responders is a joy and privilege.