Life Update: New Job(s)

I have been searching over the last month trying to find something for me to do that would bring home some money. It is weird to reach a stage in life where just finding a job isn't enough anymore.

What I mean is, I have reached a point in life where in order for Julie and I to keep our house or to maintain a lifestyle (which by no means is lavish) we have to earn x amount of dollars every month. What stinks about that is it is easy for us to look at the "how much does it pay?" rather than "is this a good fit or opportunity?" when it comes to finding that job. Julie and I have always wanted to not let finances keep us from following what God desires from us. We want to do things that have a kingdom impact, could God use us if we were working jobs that brought in a lot of money? Oh yeah. Have we had those kind of opportunities? Not so much. But, that is what has been so amazing over the last 10+ years of our life, as we have pursued various opportunities we have seen our incomes go up and down over the years and yet we have been able to live a lifestyle that I would say is comfortable. God has provided, you might say that a statement like that is cheesy or naive but I really believe that God has always given us enough.

Now we get to this transition where I wasn't expecting to be looking for work at a time when the job market is really down. I have found myself wondering what are we going to do. Getting a job that pays minimum wage, while it is a job and is money, isn't enough to provide for us, to pay the bills and mortgage. While I wasn't getting rich doing full-time ministry I was defiantly taken care of and that income isn't easily replaced. The second problem is I'm not sure what "next" looks like for me. I still feel a strong desire to serve in the local church whether it is in a more tradition "pastor" role or maybe some kind of partnership, I feel like I'm not done with that. However, I don't feel like we are suppose to move. Julie and I moved to the west side of Vancouver just over a year ago and have felt so at peace being here. We have a beautiful home that has allowed us to care for people beyond what we had invisioned. Yet, when you look at the realities of our finances and the idea of going back into a church position the likely hood that we will be able to stay in this house and in Vancouver is pretty slim. Right now we just don't see us uprooting again. So where does that leave us?

Both Julie and I have felt like we are moving into a season of life, possible an extended season, of rest, prayer, relationship, and planning. Our hope is that I can find a job that allows me to maintain relationships and continue to dialogue with people about opportunities and ideas about what the next thing is for us. In the meantime we need to pay the bills. The later part of the plan is starting to come together as I have been hired by (I know I gave it away at the top) T-Mobile to basically sell phones out of one of their stores (Fisher's Landing Store). I know it is pretty glamorous but hey it pays some bills and I have to admit I really love technology so it might be kind of fun. Especially since I will get to continue to hang out with people. The job itself is part-time however they pay full benefits (which is huge) and it still allows for some of the flexibility that Julie was hoping I would have so that I can continue to figure out what is truly the "next" thing for us. As my nephew said, "I won't buy Jesus from you, but I will buy a cell phone." (just to clarify he was joking, and already has "bought" Jesus).

There is a possible other opportunity that is in the works with helping out a guy who is starting his own construction company. I have been able to work for him a couple of days as a laborer doing a variety of things as we are working on a remodel. This is interesting for a variety of reasons. My dad is a carpenter, my brother-in-law is a carpenter, my nephew is a carpenter so it is kind of like I have gone into the "family" business. When I was younger I use to help my dad on the various side jobs he would take helping friends remodel their houses, building things for the church, etc... I realize however that I didn't pay attention, carpentry does not come naturally to me. I don't know much, however my boss is patient and willing to teach me and I am willing to learn. So I am continuing to pray that this opportunity does happen to help supplement some of my income so that Julie and I can continue to pursue what is next for us.

So There you go, there is my life update from the job hunt perspective. I'm sure I will write more later.