The pastor is on vacation for the net two weeks. But a peculiar vacation this is.
I am on vacation… but I am going no where. This puzzles us. How does a pastor take a vacation? The problem is that our life as a family is tied up with the church of which we are a part. That is a good thing. But the church of which we are a part is also the work from which I need a clear break. How do I take a vacation from the work, and not extricate the family from our church?
An example of the types of dilemna: Do we go to our small group meeting? Sure… these are the people we love, and love to be with. But, no! This takes me back into the context of the ministry from which I need emotional and mental rest. Such things are not well defined. If someone ends up in the hospital, do I visit them? If a friend from the church wants to meet, do I? Or do I say, “No, I’m not going to meet/visit with you. You are work to me?” Hardly.
If, as in the past, we were leaving town for vacation, these questions are easily answered. I’m not here and so the break is clear. There is puzzlement.
Staying and not going is hard because Barb receives no break. This is no vacation for her, something which she needs but which sadly this year I cannot provide her.
All that said, during this peculiar vacation we hope to wander locally and enjoy some low key time together. Occasionally, I suppose, I shall post. But if I don’t, readers will understand. I hope.