doing something different...'

'For Methodist presbyters and deacons, a sabbatical is a time of grace allowing them to spend time with God doing something different.'

and that time is nearly here for me :) At the end of November I put 'normal' life on hold. For three months I get the precious opportunity to do different things and do things differently. My last sabbatical pretty much got lost in preparations for an unexpected change of job and move to Scotland. This time I'm determined to grab the opportunity to experience new things and new places. 

So what will I do? Well I shall reveal the details as I go - but I'm going to have a pretty good go at indulging all my passions - so watch out for tales of planes, trains, drawing, pasta making, art galleries and a few special places familiar to saints Paul and Aidan.

Of course I need an excuse for all this - sorry, I mean a structure and a theme! So here goes: Advent is my favourite season in the Christian calendar. The time of preparation and expectation of encountering 'God with us' is a moment to look for the signs of divine at the heart of the ordinary. So in new places, in pictures I see and try to make, in history, in traditions and in contemporary life, I shall be trying to get beyond the traditional images of virgin and child, or stars and stables, and find new ways of seeing and representing what faith means for me. I don't know what all that will look like - but intend to enjoy finding out. There may even be something tangible at the end of it all - I just don't know.

The official blurb about sabbaticals says this: 

Being faced with taking a sabbatical ...may feel like taking a trip into the unknown. It is usually a place of growth and development ... Nearly all ministers who have taken that step into the unknown have found it more fulfilling and re-invigorating than they expected. Sabbaticals were introduced to be part of the armoury to prevent burn out and reduce stress amongst presbyters and deacons. They are part of all ministers' continuing development; a time for refreshment and renewal, a time to be able to hear the still small voice of God. 

I shall add a lot of looking to the listening and hopefully plenty of doing too.