When I talked to my son this week, I confessed that when I returned from my sabbatical I was not yet rested and refreshed, even though I thought I was. The typical sabbatical lasts 3 months or more. I was gone 6 weeks, not enough time to fully address compassion fatigue. At the same time, I also felt called to find a new church.

Calls are difficult to explain; basically it is a spiritual nudge/push where you know that you are being called to a new place. You can either resist the call or let it unfold. Going with the nudge/push requires a great deal of faith. And, so far, the time of uncertainty and change has always led to something new and wonderful. So, I embraced it.

Knowing that I am called elsewhere, I decided to take care of myself with another break, this time while I actively looked for a new church. This break is not paid time off, but the substitute teaching is helping with expenses and giving me time to be around kids again. That in itself revealed another nudge/push, which I have felt many times in the last few decades: to become a foster parent. When I get settled again, I plan to look into this.

So am I really rested now? Yes. I have been able to complete some personal projects, and I have so much to look forward to, with a visit to Kerry who has a new love and a visit to an incredible church (details later). My soul is at peace. My smile is returning. I feel enthusiastic again.

Onward!