any extended period of leave from one’s customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc.

That’s the definition of sabbatical on dictionary.com, and it’s the journey I am embarking on over the next two months. I have the privilege, thanks to the generosity and foresight of my church, of taking a sabbatical this summer. I have been at my church for eight years and I need this sabbatical opportunity. I plan to rest, to read, to write, to research, and to enjoy my family. I also plan to write about my sabbatical regularly here on my blog. Let the journey begin!