Stop!

I'm now over a month into this time of Study Leave or Sabbatical. I'm not very good at winding down or stopping. It took me years in business to recognise the need for a good holiday (not just a few days away from the office but more than a week). I'm not very good at detaching from emails and parish stuff. But this sabbatical has changed all of that. I needed to properly disconnect from everything to ensure that I wasn't distracted. My parish email was taken off all of my devices, I left the team WhatsApp chat and properly disconnected. It felt strange and alien. I'd never been in this situation before. I'd always spent a few minutes each holiday checking emails and checking in as well as doing a few administrative things that were part of my weekly rhythm and routine. From the beginning of May I cast myself away from the parish and left it in the capable hands of the team.

I did, however, want to stay in touch with my colleagues - we work so close together that friendships had formed. I wanted to have some way of keeping in touch - not with work stuff but with other things - things of a more personal nature. Sharing for example, the news of Alexander (our middle son) and Sophie getting engaged this week.

Interestingly, because the absolutely detachment and not getting any work emails, it's been relatively easy which has surprised me. I do, of course, think of work; more specifically, the parish and everyone within it. I've been deliberately praying for everyone and the team. My time has allowed for that to properly happen. Also to have clear head space, giving me time to appreciate the countryside around me on my travels and not to be distracted. To reflect and pray. I've enjoyed the lack of rush with Morning Prayer and reading (although I'm still a very slow reader).

I've been really glad that I've booked two nights at each campsite (other than John O'Groats) that has enabled me to relax into my surroundings and spend a day not having to worry about packing up - of course there's not much to pack up but driving a 7meter long motorhome does have limitations when it comes to just stopping somewhere!

Yesterday, for example, on my way back from a cycle & walk up to Castle Varrich on the Kyle of Tongue, I passed somewhere advertising coffee. I stopped and discovered this amazing place - Cereal Bakery and Bookshop with a wonderful story attached to how the owners came to be there (read more about that HERE). I had a superb Flat White both in caffeinated and decaf versions. I ended up in a coffee discussion with Niall and bought my lunch - an excellent Venison Pie freshly made - as well as a bag of cookies.

I've been amazed at the beauty of the highlands. Utterly stunning and breathtaking so much so that it is difficult to describe in words. Travelling by motorhome has enabled me to stay on some wonderful campsites with amazing backdrops. The latest, at Sango Sands has me overlooking the bay and the crystal clear sea below. It gives me a sense of closeness to God in all of this and at times I'm finding it quite an emotional experience. The wonder of creation around. I shall explore some more and no doubt be writing further and sharing pictures. In the meantime, a few more pictures of my travels.