Today’s that day!
I’ve had my share of jobs over the years. Some might argue I’ve had LOTS of jobs. Swim coach - lifeguard - disk jockey – moped mechanic - Subway sandwich salesman – firefighter - law enforcement officer… Each and every one was “the job” that I was sure would be my “perfect career” when I finally “grew up.” As a result of some really great people who took a chance on my while at Clemson, I’ve spent the last 22 years working in technology doing what I thought would see me through to retirement. I “rose through the ranks”, worked for great people, and finally landed what I thought was the “dream job” – big office, big staff, lots of responsibility and making more money than – honestly – I thought I probably deserved.
As many of you know, I left that job – my “perfect job” – in September of 2008. I walked away with no real plan. Many factors played into that decision, but, at the center of it all was a growing discontent – I wasn’t where God wanted me to be. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God had different plans. Someone once said “God will not let you be content if you’re where He doesn’t want you to be.” That made sense, but I wanted the big picture. I wanted to know WHAT he had in store – not simply that it was “something else.”
For 9 months, I’ve continued to wrestle with what God had in store for me. The technology job offers that I knew would come, didn’t. Why not? As I struggled to see the “big picture”, my pastor and close friend, Bryan Plyler reminded me that God is a lamp – showing us the next step - and not the “big Q-beam” that show us everything out as far as we can see. Faith requires a step, knowing that He’ll provide.
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you that I’m employed! (The cheers and shouts of joy you hear are from my wife, Kelly and the kids, who are tired of “Mr. Mom” hanging around the house the last 9 months!
More than just “employed” though, I’ve found what I truly believe is God’s plan for my life!
I’ve humbly accepted a full-time position as Small Groups Pastor with The River Church (www.riverchurchonline.com.) The church is experiencing unbelievable growth – not just in attendance – but in being able to impact people’s lives, make disciples, and send those people back out to make disciples and change lives.
In addition to expanding our already growing small groups ministry, I’ll also share in general pastoral duties with Bryan, and have an opportunity to “share life” with old and new friends as we help build disciples, who will build disciples, who will build disciples – all in accordance with God’s plan! As part of the process, I’ve applied to seminary at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia and hope to begin classes in the fall.
My family has been awesome through this – especially Kelly. She’s put up with me as I struggled to figure all of this out, and she’s given me the opportunity to make sure that what I’m doing places me squarely in the center of God’s will. She’s an incredible wife, and who I am today is, in large part, due to her. Kelly - thanks, and I love you!
As I start this new chapter, I’m sure I’ll have stories to tell. An “old guy”, going back to get his master’s degree, with a history of “less than stellar” academic performance, studying something that is “Greek” (no pun intended) to him? That’s GOT to make for some exciting stories! Please pray for my family and me as we start this new journey – It’s sure to be exciting! May God be glorified in everything that’s done!
Thanks to you all!
