What do I do all day?

From time to time, I'm asked 'so what does a Baptist minister do?' This can be embarassing, as my mind sometimes goes blank: I know I'm busy - but what do I do all day?

I've been working on a list of all the things I do, as a way of reflecting on the question of what I should be doing. It's quite a sobering exercise - do I really do all this (or at least try to)? It's also very encouraging, as I think about all the other people who are involved.

It also crystallizes an important distinction, between the tasks I have to complete and the things I am responsible for. The latter is much harder to quantify, in terms of workload. But it undoubtedly consumes a large amount of time and energy, and generates most of the stress which comes with any given role.

I reckon the main purpose of a sabbatical is to lay aside as much of that responsibility as possible, to create space for unpressured thinking, prayer, reflection, research, talking. And for getting some things done, too. This week has been quite busy in that regard - but in a good way, I think.

So, some interesting questions to think about: what am I responsible for? And how do I carry that responsibility? How well do I cope? Is it mine to carry?

As I glance at today's 'to do' list, I can tick off 'post blog' - and I'm now going to add 'make coffee'!!