My summer sabbatical- 2008

After 8 years of continuous ministry, with the same church, I am on sabbatical. I took a month this summer to refresh and unwind, and try to be somewhat irresponsible. I wanted to get my family moved and settled in our home and find the kids new schools. I wanted to finish a class I am taking. I had major plans. It wasnt going to be terribly relaxing. But it was supposed to be a break nonetheless.

So far, it is day 21 of my sabbatical and nearly every day I have had phone calls from the church staff. Asking me questions, wanting things. I have had to appear in a custody hearing and counsel people more than ever.

People that I lined up to fill in for me have not showed up or called me to tell me at the last minute that they cannot come. Yesterday, my pastor ( who I directly report to) asked me to teach his Discipleship class next sunday while he is on vacation. I tried to hide out in my office yesterday, but someone thought it was a closet and stuffed stuff in it. I couldnt even get in. maybe I shouldnt ahve been there, but my husband's sub (he teaches 4th grade boys) canceled as did my replacement. People no longer even say hi to me they just spit out their demands. I feel like a convenience store. People come to me for their immediate needs but instead of them over paying for the need, I am overtaxed.

Maybe I am learning to move on, maybe I am learning to say no. It seems that our church body needs more and more from me and I am so finite and limited. I feel so overwhelmed.