Then in the same week I got three phone calls, three phone calls from three different churches looking for a Youth Pastor to head up their ministry. I began to follow up on the phone calls and I decided to take a job in beautiful Selma, California at Selma First Baptist Church, it was probably Pastor Craig's charm and quiet demeanor that sold me on the place.
I was ecstatic, I had my first real job, I was getting paid a salary not a wage based on how many clothes I could force people to buy (did you hear Buckle has a layaway plan too? You can give us your money today but won't get the product until you can afford it later on. The Buckle credit card is a great option also, buy as much as you want now and worry about the payments later; when you still can't afford the ridiculously over priced, over winged, and over dragoned Ed Hardy and Affliction clothing).
I was a big boy, I felt like Buddy the Elf, "It's Santa! I know him!"
It wasn't until having a few different conversations recently that I realized how quiet some people can be about what it is they do, whether it is a youth pastor shying away form telling strangers his title for fear of being treated differently or a CEO not wanting others to think he is too rich or not in touch with other people.
I think it goes back to wanting to stay relate-able to our fellow man, not wanting to make others feel uncomfortable or less fortunate or pitied or whatever.
It makes me think about how at times I think about how cool it would be to do another type of ministry, moving to San Francisco to help fight poverty alongside college aged students, or having some type of really cool surf ministry or starting an adventure rec company that takes people on adventures where the only thing they can take is a canteen (No Nalgenes or Camelbacks permitted, just canteens) and their faith in the Lord.
It makes me think about how I feel insignificant in my role as a Youth Pastor sometimes, how I am not doing enough things or being as relevant or as crazy as some of the other functioning ministries out there. But then I remember some scripture in 1 Corinthians 12 that tells me I have a specific function, I am where I am for a reason I have no reason to be ashamed of who I am or what I have been called to.
If everyone moved to the city to battle poverty, the kids who grow up on farms will be left with no one to lead them. If everyone ran a surf ministry, the people who are terrified of dark water would be left behind (Hey, it's scary, you can't see what is down there and a crazy huge fish could eat you whole, it's possible, ask Jonah).
I guess what I am saying is, be content with what you do and who you are in the Lord. God has put us where we are for a reason, be there and be stoked for the opportunity to serve.
Do you feel like the place you are at gets stale sometimes or do you dream of something bigger? What is it? Leave a comment and start the conversation.
2 comments:
What a great post Pete! I think you certainly spoke to a specific issue that most people have when they have grown up a bit too much... or maybe it's something we all deal with. The grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side. And when it comes to "What We DO" - a label that society uses to judge and define the people we meet (which is a complete devaluing of the person's potential and being) - our first instinct is to seek an occupation for selfish motives. I mean, the only reason why we want those 'cooler' jobs is because we think they make us sound cooler and more interesting. But thank GOD that he keeps us focused -
Romans 12:10 "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
This is the only thing that people remember. And you don't need a PHD, live in a foreign country or city, or go on some adventure in the wilderness to love. You can and are called to do it where you are at. God really gives us the freedom to just BE who we have the potential of being where we are at now... Amazing...
P.S.
Pete - This is might not be the time or place but this is what the bulk of 'It's a Wonderful Life' is all about...
To Everyone Else - Pete has not stayed awake for one viewing of 'It's a Wonderful Life'... EVER! Isn't that wierd!!
Again, this is just such a great message because I often feel embarrassed that I continue to find work only in and be only qualified for substitute teaching. Society does not give the profession much honor. But what a wonderful God who saves us from worrying and focusing too much on ourselves and gets us to look out and be more interested and focused on other people.
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