Skip to main content

Setbacks, Disappointments, and New Opportunities

Yesterday I received a phone call I had been waiting anxiously for. It was about a job I had put in for - and I didn’t get it. The person delivering the news was kind, and even encouraged me to apply for another position that, in her opinion, was a better fit for me. It is a different kind of job, would require a decent commute, and I’m not sure I have it in me to enter another process right now. 

This morning I got myself showered and dressed and put on my clericals. Even though I was home all day I wanted to shoot a video and hence the outfit. Somehow just dressing up had me feeling less dejected - like I still could do something I was proud of. I remember years ago when my dad was looking for work. Each day he put on a shirt and tie before filling out job applications. 

After the video I scheduled some more content, opened up my notebook, and started working on my plan. The ideas began to flow, time seemed to flow by, and before I knew it I had a pretty great outline for a half day workshop in Christian Storytelling. Now to find someone who will let me try it out. I imagine I can find a few friends who would be happy to have a free workshop in their parish. 

The feedback I got yesterday when I didn’t get the job was that I was better suited to a single parish. I disagree. I feel called to make an impact on a lot of parishes. I thought this particular job would be the vehicle to so so, but it is not the only one. Right now I’m thinking if the established vehicles aren’t going to get me where I need to go, then I’m going to make my own. As the Holy Spirit nudged me I felt my confidence building. Today I was reminded that a job is just a vehicle. Jobs have certain advantages, like immediate income, but disadvantages too, like someone else is pulling the strings. As for me, I’m going to keep on, because it’s the destination that matters more than the vehicle.  

If you'd like to join me on this journey, be sure to like and follow my Facebook Page.  If I can get 25 followers, I can get a custom URL.  Woohoo!  Also, if you'd like to have me in for a free half day storytelling workshop, send me a DM on Facebook.

Comments

RJ Johnson said…
If you wanted to put on a seminar on Christian Story Telling here, I would be glad to have you. Unfortunately it is a bit of a haul to get here.
January 18, 2024 at 10:18 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Advent Challenge - Luke Chapters 8 and 9

Weekends can be a busy thing around the holidays.  Ironically Advent invites us to slow down while the world around us is speeding up with decorating, parties, shopping, etc.  That's why a challenge like reading a chapter of Luke every day is important - it refocusses you. Chapter 8 starts out with a parable about a farmer sowing seeds.  Most of the seed ends up useless, while the seed that fell on good soil yielded a massive harvest.  When the disciples asked what the parable is about, Jesus described it in terms of the Word of God, often falling on hearts that are either unwilling or unready, and it doesn't take hold.  But for some, it lands on a heart that's willing and ready, and bears much fruit. This sets the stage for two miracles that come next - the calming of the sea and the healing of a demoniac.  Jesus and the disciples went out on a boat, and a big storm came upon them.  While everyone else was panicking, Jesus was fast asleep in the stern...
Post a Comment
Read more

I Didn't Need To Know What Was Going On

 Sleepovers were great as a child. We would stay up late, tell jokes, eat delicious snacks, and have a great time. One of my good friends, Dale, would have me over from time to time.  But the part I wasn't anticipating was how active his family was at Church. Whenever I spent the night on a Saturday we'd pile in the car the next day and I saw things I had never seen before. The first thing was Dale putting a quarter in a little offering envelope.  I was shocked that he was giving away his money. Then we'd be at Church and I saw boys around my age wearing colorful robes and carrying candles.  I was sure they were doing something really important. When I visited in December, Dale showed me his Advent Calendar.  Those chocolates looked delicious but he told me there was only one per day. I share this today because these little moments shaped my faith - even though I had no clue what any of them meant.  If Theology is Faith Seeking Understand, faith comes first...
Post a Comment
Read more