Today, I retire from writing this blog. The regular writing and posting has been demanding. And yet the simple exercise of writing a few words has forced me to give attention to passing thoughts and deepen my reflections. For this I am grateful. That some took time to read these thoughts humbles me. 

To be a leader in the church is a vocation. Wangerin observes that a vocation is the way God serves us by giving us something meaningful to do. To be an elder is to be engaged with the lives of others for their growth and the life of community for its health and well-being. This engagement is a gift to others and to God. Since the call comes from God, the call invites us to pay attention in fresh ways to God’s intentions and the life of Christ in the lives of the least and of the greatest. 

While I leave this particular task, that vocation continues. I trust my reflections may have helped you in your call to shepherd God’s people. I hope you find your call not just a burden but a gift from God giving you something meaningful to do in the life of the community and the kingdom.

Today I begin my sabbatical. It is about giving attention to God and others. It is part of the ongoing life of leadership.  

May God bless you in your ministries.