Stumbling Toward Rest

So, I was sitting here at the computer frantically working through my to-do list.  You see I have so much to get done for work, on this, MY FIRST MORNING OF VACATION.  The kids and I leave tonight for ten days in Paris, and, as you know, the whole world might fall apart in my absence . . . !

As I was working, writing my newsletter column and sending off a few last emails and getting making some last minute telephone calls, I stumbled upon this article in the NY Times.  I read it and, I’m not going to lie, it stung.  Because the truth of the matter is that the world will indeed go on without me.  And if I want to be any kind of help to the process in the future, I’d better shut down my computer, trash my to-do list, and put myself on vacation.

Today begins ten days in a most beautiful city, watching my children have their first international experience, and catching up with dear friends.  It will be good for my soul and spirit, and go far toward keeping my name off a list of clergy victims of burn out.

It’s ridiculous to be stumbling toward rest, but maybe one of these days I’ll learn.  In the meantime, here we go!