Having spent the last few weeks telling The Dale community about this directly, I am ready to share the news more broadly: I am about to take a sabbatical. This is something I have been encouraged to consider for a long time. And for a long time, the timing was not right- until now. I am extremely grateful that this announcement has been met with understanding and encouragement. It has also evoked a number of very good questions. And so, I am going to share some of those, along with my answers here.
What even is a sabbatical?
A sabbatical (from the Hebrew: שַׁבָּת Šabat (i.e., Sabbath); in Latin sabbaticus; Greek: σαββατικός sabbatikos) is a rest or break from work. It is an extended period of time intentionally spent out of regular routine. It can be a variety of lengths. For me, it will be four months.
Am I burnt out?
No, I am not. I am excited to live into this time while being in a good place. I also believe taking a sabbatical is a preventative measure.
When is it?
My sabbatical begins on May 1st. I will be returning to The Dale on September 2nd.
Why now?
My daughter Cate is preparing to move out and launch her adult life. My husband Dion is living in Long Term Care. I am about to have a significant birthday. My life includes a large amount of loss that requires an attentiveness to grief. It took years, but The Dale is finally looking like it did pre-pandemic. I am bursting with ideas for The Dale and all that is happening around Story Nights/Days. All of this and more contributes to my needing some time to adjust and process this next stage of life.
What will I be doing?
Having sought the wise counsel of many people, I have decided to try and live into the tension of both structure and spontaneity. I will be focusing on rest, intentional time with family, spiritual formation, and visioning things for this next stage of life personally and at The Dale.
What will happen at The Dale?
The day-to-day of The Dale will continue without interruption. The staff team, together with our Board of Directors, a group of support people, and a community that leans into the call to full participation will keep things going. Joanna, Meagan and Olivia are going to do great, of this I am confident. I am proud of them. Please join me in celebrating their capacity and offering support through prayer and many good thoughts.
Will I continue to pray for people at The Dale and in Parkdale?
This question got me every time, and the answer is an emphatic YES. My love and care for this community has not changed and will continue wherever my location.
I have been in Parkdale since 2007 and have held my current role since 2012. I can hardly believe this adds up to 18 years. I have to confess the thing that provokes the most anxiety in me is being away from my long-term community. I love The Dale and feel loved by it. I also know that there is wisdom in embracing this opportunity and am definitely excited about it. I look forward to a break from routine, holding a posture of rest, listening for guidance about this next stage of life, and coming back invigorated and ready for more.
Postscript:
Many good things are already in the works for the fall, including Story Day 2025. Please put October 22nd on your calendar!
ERINN OXFORD 