Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Dec. 19

This week, Rev. Justin writes:

Dear First Universalist Church,

As my family and I prepare to leave on our six month sabbatical, this poem, “Clearing,” by Martha Postlewaite, has been a guiding light:

Do not try to save
the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create
a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there
patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself
to this world
so worthy of rescue.

Creating a clearing is not a new practice for me; I have created small clearings through meditation, prayer, and journaling. All have been helpful. What is new is the length of time in which to truly create a sizable clearing in my life. I am imagining sabbatical as a time of creating and living into a generous, luxurious spaciousness, to discover what’s really true in my life right now, and to notice what is lighting me up. My intention for sabbatical is to pay attention to what my life is asking of me right now. 

And as I prepare to leave, I want all of you to know a few things:

• I promise to come back from sabbatical! Though six months feels like a long time, it will go quickly, and we will see each other again soon.
• The church is the strongest and healthiest I’ve ever seen it. With our Co-Senior Minister model, and a great working relationship with the Board of Trustees, we’ve created shared, collaborative leadership that is not dependent on a single person. 
• I am taking this sabbatical time seriously, listening deeply to my inner wisdom and knowing, and listening deeply to the spirit of life/Love/God. I trust that this time away will strengthen my family, my own spirit, and my ministry. New clarity, insights, and commitments will emerge from this time away and shape the chapters to come at First Universalist. 

While I am away, may the long time sun shine upon you, may all love surround you, may the pure light within you…guide your way on. May you be blessed and be a blessing. I love you. 

With love and care,
Rev. Justin