"a period of time when college or university teachers are allowed to stop their usual work in order to study or travel, usually while continuing to be paid." - cambridge dictionary

a mentor of ours added that the purpose is for growth and learning, while also relaxing and taking time away from the normal. our church gifted us with 4 weeks after our 7 years as pastor of epic. ben decided to take two this year and two the next. it would take place in london, england -- another global city. initially we thought the highlight would be the hillsong conference, but so much more got added to the schedule. and everything that was planned and unplanned has carved into our very lives and we have seen already it's affect on our marriage and anticipate it affecting our family, our church, our city, and this generation. 

i don't know many sabbatical stories. but i can sure tell you ours. 

If our city had a gate and I knew Jesus was about to come in,

I'd be there to greet Him, to welcome Him in.

I'd thank Him for coming

Shower Him with praise - stating the obvious to the Ancient of Days.

I'd tell Jesus that I know He heals, comforts and mourns. That He sits with the outcasts, has compassion, serves, breaks the chains of sin and bondage, sets us free, and loves everyone.

I'd show Him the beautiful places - all of which He made -

The bay, the hills, the cliffs on His ocean's edge.

The lavender, succulents, and calla lilies that grow wild.

The seals, the canyons, the overflowing fruit outside the markets, the tide.

I'd want Him to see what His people were doing -