At the beginning of July—just when most right-thinking Canadians vacate their workplaces and head for hotels, cottages and campgrounds—I instead returned to the office I’d hardly set foot in since Christmas. I could describe with a great deal of precision where the time has gone, but after one week back it’s a little hard to believe I’ve been away for six months. The habit of being back at my desk each morning feels comfortably familiar but odd nonetheless.

Although much in my work environment is unchanged, I do notice some important differences. Above all, it gives me great joy to know that the ongoing work of producing newspapers has been happening just fine without me. It’s wonderful to see that people who previously leaned on me have found other means of support, mostly within themselves. This is good for them and a boon for our organization. Harold Jantz performed admirably in his role as interim editor, and the rest of my colleagues rallied to fill in any gaps. I should feel redundant, but, strangely, I don’t.

For me, six months without crushing deadlines—six months away from the hustle and bustle of the newsgathering and publishing business—has been a gift I will always treasure. I have been enjoying a time of living and learning at a slower speed with a more personal focus. I pray and trust that the personal and professional development work I’ve been doing will help to make me a more effective editor.

It isn’t easy for me to express just how grateful I am to the many individuals and institutions who encouraged and supported me in this venture. But I am going to give it a try. My first thanks must go to my employer, Fellowship for Print Witness, that two-and-a-half years ago approved my plan to make this sabbatical dream come true, and for our board members who personally backed me.

Regent College in Vancouver was another significant benefactor. Margaret and I were well- treated and deeply enriched during our four months in this mature Christian learning community. We audited classes and plundered the library; we talked at length and depth with students and faculty; we worshiped frequently and received prayer. Our souls were restored, our wellsprings replenished.

Putting the “professional” into my professional development leave was Arrow Leadership Ministries. I am privileged to be a member of the inaugural class of Executive Arrow, which provides practical organizational leadership training for key executives of Christian non-profit organizations. The quality of the trainers, the content of the courses, the structure of the program and the camaraderie of the participants combine to produce a unique and exceedingly helpful learning experience.

This has been a wonderful—and necessary—season in my life. But none of it could have happened without the support of about 30 donors who responded to my appeal and gave generously to ChristianWeek. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The Lord we serve will continue to supply everything we need for life and godliness.