By Chrissy Tatum Williamson

In the last post I shared the background on how the sabbatical theme came to be. As soon as I realized what I wanted – no, what my soul needed – the rest seemed to fall into place. The heart of my trip would consist of my daughter and I exploring nature and sitting beneath the stars. You heard in the sermon on February 9th a little bit about my research process: lots of YouTube videos and national park visitor guides. The more I researched, the more drawn I felt to the desert  and canyon landscapes of Utah. Is there anything more majestic than Delicate Arch, more awe inspiring than the view from Angels Landing? 

The more photographs I saw, the more hiking guides and campsite recommendations I read, the more I knew that I’d listened to my heart well. This was exactly what my soul, my heart, my innermost being needed. This would make my heart sing.  

As the dreaming continued, I invited others to dream with me. One thing Lilly encourages grant applicants to think about is not only what but who needs to share the journey. Justin and Mia began to dream and so we added Disney World and some places in West Texas and New Mexico. Mia learned about the white sand dunes (White Sands National Park) and dreamt about celebrating her birthday sledding (not something that is generally possible on July 5). Add it to the itinerary! Once unleashed, the dreams just kept coming. And the joy soon followed. 

That is something I’m learning from this process. There is experiential joy and there’s also anticipatory joy. I am cherishing both. After this is all over, I expect there will be some memory joy too! 

The other thing I’m learning (and this is something I hope to remember in all the non-sabbatical years) is that the beauty of nature makes my heart flutter. The sounds of nature calms my anxiety. The experience of nature is grounding and quenches my spiritual thirst. So being in nature is something I need to do, even when it isn’t easy. 

Now, think about your answer to the last post’s question: What will make your heart sing? 

And add to it this: How will you make it happen – in big ways when dreams can be realized, and in small ways when life demands your attention be spent elsewhere. How will you make space in your life for whatever makes your heart sing? 

In the time between my “heart sing” realization and my actual sabbatical time, I’ve prioritized being in nature in a couple of simple ways. First, anytime the temperature rises about 55 degrees, I string up a hammock on my back porch (if I can’t convince Justin that we should camp at Falls Lake). Second, I booked a camping trip each month (except November, January, and February). And third, anytime I’m outside, I try to remember to look up toward the stars. 

Each of these small practices is a glimpse of sabbatical – a mini sabbath – a gift for the weary soul. 

So, how are you gifting your weary soul? 

Dream big! Start small! You’ll notice the difference. Promise!