sabbatical...?

I said something the other day about sinking into my sabbatical.

The following conversation with my smartypants friend, Eric, ensued:

          Eric:  "Real sabbatical or fake sabbatical?"

          Me:  "Probably fake."

          Eric:  "I knew it."

Haha.  He is absolutely correct!  Starting tomorrow, I will be painting rooms (a lot of rooms) in my friend's new house.  I don't know how long this will take, and it doesn't really matter.  I just plan on throwing on my paint splattered pants, putting Gavin DeGraw on constant loop, and watching the paint transform this house into a home for my dear friends.

(I asked Chris to take a picture so I could add it to this post.  This is what I ended up with.  Seems about right.)

I know that I am driving some of you crazy (because you have told me!) that I keep taking jobs.  But hear me when I say, it feels right.  I am constantly listening to what the Lord is trying to tell me.  I am paying attention.  I am letting Him lead every big and small decision in my life.

And if I am really trying to boil down what I'm learning in all of this, it's not that I'm taking a sabbatical (break) from hard work, or "the man", or from a paycheck.  But I guess I'm taking a sabbatical from me and my normal ways.  Taking a break from being in charge, and letting God fully lead me.  And let me tell you, I am a stubborn and driven son-of-a-gun.  This is contrary to everything I know.  But, He is teaching me how good He is, and how very much He loves me.  

I love painting. (I'm sure I won't be repeating this sentence after a few days.)  Not really the physical act of it, but for the immediate results.  Within seconds, there is a visible transformation. Every time I pop the lid on a can of paint, my heart starts racing.  I can't wait to see the first smear on the wall. And before I know it, everything around me looks different.  

I feel like God is painting me right now.  He's not as fast of a painter as I am though!  :)  He's taking His time.  He's taped off the edges, and has started cutting in.  I can see a difference, but not as much progress as I'd like.  I'm ready for  Him to get the roller out, and really get things going.  But, He's taking His time, doing things right.  I don't like that.  I'm not a good wait(er).  But, He knows best.  I believe that.  

Here's to the next adventure.  I'm now a painter. #WhoCaresSoWhat