Hafiz, the Sufi poet, writes:

"For God to make love,
For the divine alchemy to work,
The Pitcher needs a still cup.
Why ask Hafiz to say
Anything more about
Your most vital requirement?"

I have given myself fully to many responsibilities over my past 28 years at L’Arche, and I am tired. My sabbatical will allow substantial opportunity for stillness and reflection. To nourish this, I will renew a habit of daily journaling in which our community’s pastor, Fr. Henri Nouwen, encouraged me some years ago, and will stay well away from the “tyranny” of email.

Month one will be for my heart. After a short retreat I will be at LaFerme, the quiet centre of prayer at the heart of the original foundation of L’Arche in Trosly, France. There, I will be able to rest and also to talk with Jean Vanier and others who have carried the vision of L’Arche over many years.

Month two will be for inspiration. I will visit one of the newest foundations of L’Arche, in Bethlehem, and will renew my interfaith interest by learning from Jews, Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem engaged in bridge-building and peace-making.

Month three will be for preparing to begin afresh -- a time to rest and write near the L’Arche community of Kilkenny in Ireland. It will include elements that help me stay centered: gratuitous time with people with intellectual disabilities and in nature.