Rector’s Reflection - September
I have been back from sabbatical for almost a month and finally I am taking time to look back through my sabbatical journey entries to see if there’s anything worth sharing. When Melvin and I showed our slides, we told the story of the journey, but Roni asked about the “inner journey.” Honestly, that’s a lot more complicated story to tell and no doubt will continue to evolve with time and distance from the experience. But here’s a snippet from Friday July 5, our last rest day (we had walked 21 days with 6 left to go).
Background: we were at the wonderful Auskin Kreative Senter in Vuku, Norway, which is described on their Instagram as “a place to rest, learn arts, crafts and self-expression.” Rest was important. The day before was the longest of the journey, about 17 miles, and pretty hot. I had developed a rash on my legs that is colloquially referred to as “Disney rash,” from being too long on one’s feet in hot, humid conditions. Google helped me know how to treat it (rest, elevation, and Benadryl) and I was happy to spend a few hours in the meditation room. There was a rug, a huge pillow, and one whole wall was glass.
Here's my journal entry: Sitting in this room for hours, or laying on the floor, watching the sky change. Sun, clouds, now wind and rain. Like being outside without any of the immediacy of it, without any discomfort. A metaphor for holding God at a distance? Enjoying a glimpse without immersing myself in it fully? Because while it can be glorious, it can also be treacherous. I can see the rain but not feel it or smell it. I lose the good along with the not-so-good. But today is just a day to rest and recover and prepare myself for the days ahead. Let it be.
A lesson from pilgrimage: Our glimpses of God, as watching a rainstorm from a place of safety and warmth, can delight us. Fully immersing ourselves in the divine life, as Jesus models, can give us even greater delight, but also requires much more of us. Friends, I wish you joy on the journey.
Peace,
Pastor Kristine