Today is Saturday, September 7.

On Wednesday, September 11, my wife, pup, and I will board a plane in Houston, Texas for Oakland, California. When we arrive, it will mark the end of my 3-month sabbatical, and the beginning of a fresh season of ministry.

With that in mind, over the next three days, I have the privilege of being in an Air BnB all by myself, with no distractions, to start strategizing and preparing for my return.

Here are the things I absolutely need to get done in the next 3 days:

By the end of Sunday:

• Write a list of things I am grateful for from my first extended sabbatical experience.

• Complete my outline for the 4 sermons I will give at the Living Stones Men’s Retreat next weekend.

• Complete my outline for the 5 sermons I will give at the North Hills Middle/High School Retreat next week. Send discussion questions to Pastor James.

By the end of Monday:

• Think/pray through sermons series ideas through the end of 2019.

• Write outline for my first message back.

By the end of Tuesday:

• Set work/personal goals for Fall 2019.

• Set work/personal daily rhythms for Fall 2019.