Unemployment reflections

I am not the kind of person who enjoys coasting through life. So being on Day 11 of unemployment is a rather frustrating situation for me. I am learning the definition of the phrase, "too much of a good thing." I love movies and books. But I am averaging 2.5 movies a day, and am currently in the middle of reading 6 books at once (I think...I may be forgetting a few I started months ago and have not picked up in awhile). In a strange way, I almost dread picking up a new DVD at Hollywood video or starting a new chapter. I still love movies and books, but I may need a break from them after this season of life passes. But on a positive note, I am reading some awesome books and watching some incredible movies. Plus, this may be the only time in my life when I can spend an entire week reading and watching films. I imagine that when we have kids, that won't happen again for another 25 years.

(Note: We are not planning on having kids for another few years, just to answer the questions before you ask them! So I can still watch movies uninterrupted for awhile.)

I am also finding it difficult to not be pouring myself into others' lives. I value 1 Thessalonians 2 a lot, where Paul is delighted to not only share the Gospel with the people in Thessalonica, but his very life and being. I am a people person; I thrive when I spend time serving and loving people. So to not have a committed place to interact with people is a personal trial. On a positive note, I have been able to give more of my time to my wife, friends, and family. I have been volunteering for my best friend Brian, who works at Catholic Charities. This involves picking up donations from families around Portland and moving them into a storage facility and helping Brian pick out a dessert for an office party. (I chose the cheesecake sampler platter). This volunteering and serving with people is helping keep me sane for awhile.

I am starting to view my current place in life (just out of a ministry position, waiting for a new ministry opportunity to fully present itself) as my off-season. During the off-season, athletes can chill and take it easy for awhile. But they still have to be training and taking care of themselves so that they will be prepared to get back into the game once the next season begins. I am starting to see this as a time of training for the next season. It is a time for rest and preparation. It is a time for renewal and anticipation. I am eager to see what the new season holds and hope that I am preparing myself well for whatever is ahead.

Thanks to those of you who are praying for us in this season! I am confident that God is using your prayers in very awesome and powerful ways in our lives, and your life as well.