Falling in love again! I propose nothing less for my three month sabbatical. As a celibate pastoral leader, I have ministered with and to God's people since 1963 in a variety of settings: religious education and retreats in high schools; spiritual direction; parish ministry; leadership of a congregation of vowed religious men; directing adult retreats; foreign mission work; initial and ongoing formation of religious men and women; running a shelter for homeless men and peer groups for people who are HIV +... Except for my annual one-week retreat, the only "Come apart and rest awhile" time I've taken was the 100 day Sangre de Cristo renewal in Santa Fe, NM in 1987. Bluntly stated, though I enjoy perfect health and look forward to many more years of ministry, I've allowed my work to imbalance me; consequently, the well within has run dry. It's immensely clear to me that our God's unconditional love for me as I am has nourished and sustained me all through the years so that gratitude IS my attitude. In recent years, however, I've allowed God to fade into the background, and my work to consume me. I need to learn - again and for the first time - balanced, habits of heart and life. I need to discover ways of generating new energy into the reality of my busy life. All my proposed sabbatical activities (a silent, directed 30 day retreat...living in a monastery with contemplative monks...quality time with people I love...study and theological reflection...dancing and cooking lessons...) will focus on "the dance" of falling in love again - with myself, with my sisters and brothers and - particularly - with my God.