Is it a lack of passion or competency if I don't want to leave my current position for 6 months?
It would depend, perhaps, on how you characterize your "gap" to a future potential employer. If you treat it as a negative that might be easily picked up. But needing to unwind after an intense five years  is pretty normal. Wanting time to publish is a positive thing. Wanting to continue current productive relationships is also a good thing. 

So, characterize it positively and it shouldn't be an issue. The competency is judged by other things (publications, dissertation...) and the passion is something that will be seen if it is there. 

But don't apologize. There ins't any need for that.