“Grant us a heart wide open to all the joy and beauty of this universe…and save our souls from being so steeped in care that we pass heedless and unseeing when even the thornbush by the wayside is aflame with the glory of God.” ~ Walter Rauschenbusch

The purpose of the sabbatical is to renew heart, soul and mind by discovering, marveling, and engaging "the joy and beauty of the universe which is aflame with the glory of God." The contexts for reflection will vary geographically, but include ordinary and extraordinary landscapes that elicit awe and wonder, and have inspired prayerful devotion and creativity in generations past. Using the rule of St. Benedict as a compass and guide, I will explore this spiritual terrain using all seven senses. I see this way of being in the world as an opportunity to gather images, make observations, and cultivate reflections for writing meditatively, preaching with passion, and teaching experientially and by example.