McDonald’s is considered the first US company to offer this as part of their benefits package in 1977. Companies like Bank of America, Deloitte, Intel, and Adobe offer this type of leave to their employees today. But this benefit didn’t originate in the business world. What is it? – Sabbatical. 

The idea of a sabbatical was once proven so beneficial that companies were offering them and seeing them as essential to their employees. Much of that changed through the end of the 20th century. But recently, sabbaticals are making a comeback. A sabbatical is a deeply biblical concept. It comes from the Hebrew word תָבַש Šabat.

Sabbath – a rest or break from work; intentional, structured time away from duties focused on “stopping normal activity” for the purpose of resting in God. 

Resting in God. How are you doing at that? In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can seem like rest itself evades us, let alone rest in God. Yet the hustle and bustle, the exhaustion, and the absence of enjoyment reveal that we were made for more. Not more activities, events, and tasks. But more of who we are – human beings. Without moments of breaks, intentional ceasing from work, and structured time away, we can burnout.

That is why I am so thankful for a church that places value on its leaders getting sabbaticals. I am also excited that starting June 2, I will receive my first-ever sabbatical. For 8 straight weeks, I will rest from work to rest in God. To say I am excited is an understatement. But, if I’m being honest, I’m fearful as well. Fearful of what I’ll feel like not “working”. Fearful of how I’ll fill my time. Fearful of just being without any “have to’s”.

But I think that’s the point. In ceasing the daily rhythms and grind, God can reveal the idols of my heart and thinking. It unveils the subtle ways I’m trusting not in God’s goodness and grace, but rather my effort and activity. And therein lies the gospel realities I hope to encounter, enjoy, and bask in over the 8 weeks of June and July.

My sabbatical officially starts June 2 and end July 29. So I ask for your prayers during that time. That God will renew and refresh my spirit. That I will rest in His grace and goodness. That I will enjoy a sweet time with my family.