Sabbatical

A sabbatical is a break, a renewal apart from ones’ normal routine. The sabbatical is not new. Sabbatical leave is common in academia; Centuries ago, sabbaticals were a year long; they became more common, with various lengths over time. Nearly 200 years ago, Harvard University started giving sabbatical leaves . As I write this, our pastor is on a six-week sabbatical-renewal leave. For decades, the sabbatical has been available for United Methodist pastors. Only in recent times has appropriate attention is been given to its importance. Increasing numbers of organizations are noticing that mental health must be nurtured, and are taking steps to that end.

Almost everyone in a leadership position knows the encroaching vocational demands in daily work. The old “9 to 5” work-day has rapidly become the “24-7” life. Even worse, cell phones and other electronic devices have virtually eradicated boundaries that once protected us all. As a result, whether one’s life is greatly stressed or not, unlimited interruptions into personal and home life take certain toll on a human being.

A pastor’s vocation, much like that of a medical doctor, belongs to those served. Only well staffed, well funded medical facilities or churches can afford always to have backup staff on hand as primary care providers. As a United Methodist Clergyman, with several decades of service, I can attest to having experienced mealtimes interrupted, sleep cut short, and vacations upended, as emergency calls cut into our family life. I remember a clergy friend who took responsibility for his personal space, early in his ministry. A committee in his ministry assignment was planning a meeting. The date they chose would not work for him. Without apology he said, “I won’t be there. I will be with my son at his ballgame.”

Boundaries are essential. Lines on roadways help keep traffic safe and moving. Time limits keep sports interesting and fair. Doors and walls help maintain security and privacy. And—Life boundaries help us humans thrive. Even God took a day, of rest after six days of creating the earth. When Moses brought down from the mountain, the tablets of Stone, the seventh day of the week was carved in stone as a day of rest. The sabbath is based on that tenet. Some Jewish scholars see something of the Code of Hammurabi (circa 1750 BC —the oldest known written code of laws) reflected in the Mosaic laws.

The Mosaic law is concise and specific; do your work all week, and on the seventh day, rest! The Jewish Talmud, however—in my humble opinion—does a good bit more elaboration on that basic tenet. It needed none—then or now. Your body, your mind, and your health need rest. Society is getting a pretty clear picture of that need; American Gold Medal Gymnast, Simone Biles is the “Poster Girl” for sports mental health. If an Olympian can take a public break at the peak of her career, for mental health—-well, that’s a significant message to the rest of us. 2024 yields increasing numbers of famous icons who, for good mental health reasons, are following suit. I commend the leadership of our church for its caring foresight to provide this six week verdure for our pastor.

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2024