The Bearded Baptist in Europe #5

An On Second Thought Special Series

The Bearded Baptist in Europe
Week Five: The Road to Fullness
A Sabbatical Travelogue by Dr. Dock Hollingsworth

Years ago, at a conference in Boston, I raised my hand and offered to pick up our speaker at the airport. I had recently finished a book about worship, written by Marva Dawn, and I was eager for time with her on the commute to Boston College where she was to speak. By the time I reach the airport, I wished I had not raise my hand. I’m not that familiar with driving in Boston. I know little about the Boston airport. I was responsible for getting the speaker to the platform on time. I was wound tight… a big ball of nerves. Besides, Marva had serious mobility issues and she was blind in one eye which kept her from driving. I was responsible for everything and not yet taking the blood pressure medicine that I take now. I was a mess.

Marva was not a ball of nerves. She traveled light…one small piece of luggage. She engaged me in conversation- asked wonderful questions to get to know me better. She showed a serious interest in my work and my seminary and my family. She laughed easily.

Her lecture was without notes- she can’t see well enough. She was smart and funny. Her lecture was about an upcoming book and the theme of the conference - Sabbath. She talked about the importance of God’s design that we work for six days and truly rest for one. At the time, I saw a glimpse of the connection between her ability to be present, her quick laughter, her calm trust and the practices of Sabbath that she had adopted. Of course, I put those notes away as soon as I got back to Atlanta and a full inbox.

Obviously, Sabbath and sabbatical are from the same root word. Now in week five of sabbatical, I am seeing the connections more fully. I have been more present. I have laughed more. I have regained trust.

I thought my trip would impact my preaching. I thought seeing Corinth and the ancient sites of Rome would add a richness to my proclamation. Still, I hope it is true. But my reflection this week has been about my need to preach more about Sabbath. Sabbath-keeping may be the only one of the Ten Commandments that we break regularly and with a sense of pride.

Today I had breakfast with Melissa. We are going into town to walk around the shops and hold hands. We might come back and take a nap this afternoon. I could do all of this on a Saturday in Atlanta if I were disciplined enough to follow God‘s good path of renewal. More than ever, I want all of us to regain the gifts of Sabbath so that we might rest and trust and laugh again.

Marva Dawn was mostly blind, had trouble walking, fought cancer and found her final rest last year at age 72. My hunch is that she was really at peace when the call came.

I love being your pastor,
Dock