A Note from Heather

I have heard through the grapevine that there is some interest in what I (Heather) am doing during the sabbatical time. David asked me if I would blog a bit from my perspective concerning the last few months. For the most part I would classify my participation as “coming along for the ride”. Overall, this ride has been interesting and is resulting in a grateful heart on my end.

Early on in the sabbatical, David and I were blessed to have a wonderful time away celebrating our 14th anniversary. It was very good for us to have some intentional alone time. I am thankful for a husband who loves me deeply and purposeful in nurturing me. As well, I was further gifted by the generosity of my good friend Sheelah, who took very good care of my girls.

David is very organized and that has kept him focused on his goals for his sabbatical. Being that the girls and I are included in his focus, we have benefitted greatly. It has been fun and enjoyable for us to spend quality time together as a family. I especially enjoyed the few times we spent helping out on some of the School Field Trips. It was evident that the girls were proud to have mom and dad assisting. As well, we were able to appreciate more how much the teachers invest in the lives of our children.

Even though I have still had to continue in my roles as wife and mother, I have been able to find some time to do a bit of reading and have joined David in a bunch of his exercising. I read a parenting book, a book on small church dynamics, and am working on a book on prayer. Being someone who has a hard time justifying to myself that it is okay to slow down, it has been a refreshing for me to have my routine altered. I am very proud of David’s determination in exercising…there is no doubt that he has been working hard at it.

Recently, I attended a Women’s Leadership Conference at Northview Church which drew women from many denominations and those serving in varied leadership roles. Both Audrey and David had separately, on different occasions, encouraged me to consider attending. I kind of took that as a good signal of maybe God wanting me to take advantage of this opportunity. It was a very good experience. There were some very good quality speakers and awesome worship times. Above all, it was a good time to hear from God and rub shoulders with a few other women.

Our biggest stretch has definitely been our absence from Bethel. We miss our people…..our family, our friends. It has been helpful to visit other churches but not fun to always be a visitor. We are reminded of how blessed we are to have such a loving church family.

All in all, this has been a great time of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. I have developed a greater sense of gratitude for what I have and God’s purpose for my life. I am thankful for all who have made this sabbatical possible and who have supported and encouraged us in various ways. Above all, I thank God for His continued goodness.

Blessings, Heather