On June 17th I begin my first every renewal leave. While my husband Jeff stays home and works, our daughter and I will be camping throughout the western US, and then heading off to visit family in Scotland, spend a week at the monastery at Taize, and soak up the art of Spain over the course of a few days. Once we get home it’s to Lake Tahoe for a family wedding before returning to “normal” life and work on August 14th.
Clergy burnout is a serious problem, and I’m so grateful to the wisdom of the United Methodist Church in creating a mechanism for pastors to take the time away so that we can continue to serve our communities to the best of our abilities. I have an amazing team of leaders covering for me while I’m away, so that things at the Parish will go on pretty much as normal. I’m so thankful to be part of two faith communities where my gifts and leadership are valued, but I’m not the center of our community life.
During my renewal leave I hope to encounter God in creation as we camp and visit some of the most beautiful spots in the country. From the vistas of the Grand Canyon to the fish of the Monterey Bay Aquarium we will see the vastness of beauty and the small details of ecosystems. I hope to encounter God in the bonds of family. There is something so moving about watching my kid play soccer with my cousin’s children in the same yard where we all played when we were little. I hope to encounter God in silence and song. Taize worship has always been particularly meaningful for me and I look forward to a whole week of it. I hope to encounter God in art. Sorolla, Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Murillo, and more spoke so profoundly to me when I was a student in Spain and I know their work will offer new insights 20 years later.
I’m sure my time will be full of many surprises and more lessons. I’ll be sharing about it when I get back. Until then Laura Jaquith Bartlett will be writing the blog for the Parish to keep you updated on our learnings and adventures.
-Eilidh
Forth Bridge, South Queensferry Scotland
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