It is hard for me to believe that only two weeks remain in my sabbatical.  In some ways, it feels like forever since we have joined the body at Renton Bible Church in worship.  And our whole family is so excited to re-engage in the life of our church.  In other ways, however, it feels as though this time has flown by. 

      Regardless, even with one quarter of our sabbatical still to go, I can already say that God has used this time in my life in ways I could not have even imagined.  I really didn't comprehend how much and in what ways I needed this sabbatical.  Certainly, I felt it was a good thing, an important thing, in my life, for my family, and for our church.  But I really didn't see just how significant it would be.

      Below is my prayer journal entry from a few nights ago.  I share this entry with you, my personal prayer to God, so that you might catch a glimpse of just how much God has used this time of sabbatical in my life...

7-26-10

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:7b-8

Dear God,

      How I need this teaching in my life.  How I need to be reminded time and again.  How I need your help to become the man you have called me to be.

      God, help me to train myself to be godly.  Help me to do my part in this.  I know that you are faithful to do your part.  I know that when I turn to you, you strengthen, lead, bless, work.  I know your Holy Spirit dwells within me.  "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).  O God, work in me.

      There is no doubt in my mind, O Lord, that this time of sabbatical has been of you.  You, O Lord, prepared this time for me.  And as unlikely as it may have been that a small church would be able to support such a time as this-you brought it about.  And as unlikely as it may have been that we would have an intern who could do a great job of filling in-you brought it about.  But, Father, you knew what I needed.  And you knew what my wife needed.  And you knew what my family needed.  And you are faithful.

      As I face just a few more weeks of sabbath rest and renewal, I pray that you will continue to work.  I pray that you will continue to work in me, in my family, in our church.  Amen.