Reflections On the Plane

OK, I didn't realize how difficult it would be. I'm sure most people look at this Sabbatical time and say, "Wow - sure wish I could do that!" Some have thought that this is just an extended vactation - my favorite - "The God-Cation."

Truth of the matter is, the leaving has been hard . . .

• Hard to leave people you love so much
• Hard to let go of responsibilities you carry
• Hard to leave people you do daily life with
• Hard to let go and be led when you are used to leading
• Hard to leave unfinished responsibilities (or at least I think they are unfinished)
• Hard to leave everyone behind (even Gwen for the first 15 days)

Can I also share the tension - the polarity - in desiring God but the fear I have of finding Him?

It was strangely wonderful to get on the plane . . . Hopes mixed with fears . . .

I'm so glad - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want . . .

DAY 1 OF 101

It's hard to believe that the Sabbatical is within hours of beginning. For months I have anticipated this day. I wondered what it would be like. I'm not sure I know what to do. I'm asking God to be my Shepherd.

To lead me.

To teach me.

To speak to me.

Day 1 of 101 (Friday, May 25) I fly to Salt Lake City where I will rent a car and drive to a town just East of Gallop, New Mexico. From there I will take several days to hike and explore National Parks and Monuments as well as other open areas.

DONQUEST
You've heard of MapQuest, well I have DonQuest. Don Peterson, a faithful friend and prayer partner, mapped the entire area out for me - people, exact exits to take, roads, what to see (and skip) and so much more. Don has been an incredible gift to me - freeing me from having to plan - freeing me to be led. Thanks Don for your gift!

For the first 15 days I will be alone. On day 15, Gwen will join me to complete this first block of the journey - a sort of time of decompression and physical, emotional, and soul rest.

Prayer Requests

• The discovery of God's leading and a rhythm for the beginning of this journey
• A deep sense of joy in God's presence
• Personal renewal - beyond what I can comprehend
• Deep marital oneness and sharing
• Oh yeah, and all of the travel and safety issues

Thanks again for sharing in this journey with me!

Confidence, Credibility, Competence

Probably the most visible thing I do is preach. I love to teach. It is a huge responsibility but one that brings me great joy.

Soooo . . . letting go of teaching for an entire summer is - EASY - when I am so Confident in our Teaching Team. They have a great level of Credibility and Competence. The unity we experience, the joy and energy we share in preparing; the deep understanding of and love for the congregation we serve make letting go of this responsibility for this season a delight!

Pastor Peter Yoshonis and Pastor Dave Horne will be carrying the bulk of the teaching times. They are delivering two summer series that we all assisted in developing. These series will have year-long impact on us.

At SLWC we strive to be about Developing People. The Teaching Team is a wonderful example of this mission fulfilled.

Please be in prayer for this team:

• Weekly preparation in the midst of their regular responsibilities
• Anointing from the Holy Spirit
• Deeper Mission Engagement (this is not a static or "holding on" time but a time of growth and progress

It's going to be a great summer in the Word!

Renewal in Israel

I am just preparing to board a flight to come home from Israel - a trip that indeed was a Spiritual Odyssey.

There is something about this land that renews your heart and passion for Jesus and for the intensity of the love He offers. I found that renewing love in the sense of deep community I observed in how the ancients lived. They were close in proximity. They were together in travel and in work and in spiritual activities - in all of life.

I found the renewing love in the places of consuming passion and compassion - the journey to Gethsemane - where the final alignment was made to give his life and love for all of us - and for me. I found the renewing love in the place where after his mockery trial, he was beaten. In the place where He willing allowed the cross to be placed on Him and He on it.

His overwhelming love deeply renewed me - not only because I was here - but uniquely because I was here.

The trip has been a gift of heart preparation for the 101 days ahead - that begin in just one week.

101 Days of Prayer

This Sabbatical is 101 days long.

I will genuinely need prayer for each day. Many have already committed to pray - some even to fast - for me while I am gone.

If you want, pick a day (or days) between May 25 and September 4. Then simply e-mail my assistant what day you want.

srizzio@slwc.org

If it's available she will sign you up and send you a reminder and specific requests.

Thanks for being a part of this Sabbatical experience through prayer.