I’m on Maternity Leave and have been for 4 months now. As this is baby #2 I feel somewhat more productive this time round. And I have come to realise just how precious this Leave is. One of the greatest gifts has been given to me: TIME!
I have found myself with more babies (i.e. more to do), but also with more time. Or I have learned to make the most of any moment I have. I’m off “work” for 7 months. It is a rare opportunity to be a full-time parent, but also to explore other parts of life that I don’t usually have time to occupy myself with.
Most importantly, I have had time to play. I have played with Thomas and his friends more than I could ever have imagined. Elijah (soon to be 3) and I have read books together – lots and lots of times! He has told me stories, I have watched him grow up. We potty-trained. We made waffles (also lots of times) and more coffee than is probably good for me. We have been to toddler groups and the playground so much. And I’ve soaked in every minute of this precious time. I have seen things from a very different perspective. Oh, and there is baby Jeremiah too – I have learned to just let him be near. He lives in slings a lot:
We have enjoyed taking time out together as a family and visiting friends/family in various places. We had spontaneous day-trips to places like Brighton. We went into London (the Skygarden may have featured a few times!). We had a holiday at a caravan park! All those little things that matter…
I was very keen to make the most of the time I have now had free on Sunday mornings. We went to church pretty much every Sunday. I have been able to hear dear colleagues preach (a rare treat). We have explored many different churches in the area. So far, this included: Hillsong London, 2 free Pentecostal churches, a toddler service at a Methodist church, a German church, St Paul’s Cathedral, a Newfrontiers church, an Elim church, and at least one service at each of my own churches (URCs). It has been great to be part of so many different Christian fellowships and has reminded me in one or two ways of what it feels like to be the new person at church.
I have also tackled the more routine bits of daily life that often get left till they’re overdue: cleaning, cooking (and making cakes – added bonus!), gardening, re-arranging some rooms and tidying/organising, starting work on my tax return, shopping, etc.
All with time to have fun though, so the odd trip to the cinema has featured, as has building up a water-slide in the garden on the really hot days (thank you Zena and family!).
What is my conclusion? Thank God for Maternity Leave! What a privilege! What a special time!
And if the church wants to learn a thing ot two about how to help ministers grow: send them on leave for a bit! Sabbaticals don’t come round soon enough! I have not for a while done as much theological reflecting as during this leave. I have had time to really think about my ministry, the churches, my calling and our mission.
May the time to come, as I return to work, be equally fruitful and blessed!
Dorospirit - this pretty much sums me up! 