New Opportunities Requires Change
One thing that I have grown very familiar with, is change. Change is the one thing a person can absolutely count on when they are committed to serving Christ and doing His will. If you read my last blog you will remember that I had decided to commit myself to giving more...even if it seemed impossible. Well Jesus, who has an incredible sense of humor by the way, has decided to put me through the ultimate test this holiday.
On December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, my pastor came into my office to give me an early birthday present. He explained that in light of our parishes difficult financial situation the Finance Council recommended that he tell me that I was a "luxury they just can not afford right now." Luxury? I was stunned! I have always felt my work was a necessity not a luxury! But, our Finance Council saw it differently. Mostly because they have never sat in my office or walked in my shoes. They literally have absolutely NO idea what I even do. But that being said, I can't say that I was completely shocked. I probably have the highest salary of any staff member or teacher and therefore I was the biggest target.
After the initial "what are you kidding me?" response, ALL I thought about was this parish. The people, the disappointment, the back to old ways, the money that won't be coming in, the festival that literally consumed me for months, all these things flashing in my mind...who was going to handle all these things? The response? "Volunteers." I could have busted out laughing, but instead I just said, "well, I'll check back with in 6 months, let me know how that's working out for you." I felt bad, for my pastor, for the parishioners, for the Finance Council, but I never really thought about how I was feeling. I never cried, or freaked out, or panicked. That night after telling my husband and getting his wonderful as always support, he just said, "well, where is God calling you next?"
Where in deed? I hadn't thought about it yet so I wondered. The next morning I returned to work as usual but this time I spent the first hour or so of my day thinking about what God wanted of me. I made a few phone calls to leaders in the Catholic church community and by the end of the day I had 2 interviews scheduled for the following week. Let me stop right there for a minute. I want you to understand the impact this has had on my life. I was absolutely stunned by the outpouring of Church leaders who sent me supportive letters and/or who invited me to come and talk with them. Although I did not feel sorry for myself or cry over the loss of a job I loved, I did get very choked up by the support I received. Both of the jobs I am interviewing for next week are WONDERFUL positions and I would be lucky to be offered either of them. One is with the Diocese and the other is with another fantastic Catholic organization. I am blessed that they wanted to speak to me, and if that is as far as it goes, I would be fine with that. If it leads to a job, that would be even better! Afterall it is all up the Jesus.
It's 2 days before my 44th birthday and 2 weeks before Christmas. I have bills piled up from the holidays and I have no idea where I will be going or what I will be doing in 2010, but for the first time in a very long time, I am sooo happy! Advent is the season of expectant hope, and Jesus is making that all the more personal for me this year. What a blessing. So today I wait with anticipation and hope for the next little chapter of my life in Christ. If this was my birthday present, I can't wait to see what He has in mind for Christmas! :)
On December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, my pastor came into my office to give me an early birthday present. He explained that in light of our parishes difficult financial situation the Finance Council recommended that he tell me that I was a "luxury they just can not afford right now." Luxury? I was stunned! I have always felt my work was a necessity not a luxury! But, our Finance Council saw it differently. Mostly because they have never sat in my office or walked in my shoes. They literally have absolutely NO idea what I even do. But that being said, I can't say that I was completely shocked. I probably have the highest salary of any staff member or teacher and therefore I was the biggest target.
After the initial "what are you kidding me?" response, ALL I thought about was this parish. The people, the disappointment, the back to old ways, the money that won't be coming in, the festival that literally consumed me for months, all these things flashing in my mind...who was going to handle all these things? The response? "Volunteers." I could have busted out laughing, but instead I just said, "well, I'll check back with in 6 months, let me know how that's working out for you." I felt bad, for my pastor, for the parishioners, for the Finance Council, but I never really thought about how I was feeling. I never cried, or freaked out, or panicked. That night after telling my husband and getting his wonderful as always support, he just said, "well, where is God calling you next?"
Where in deed? I hadn't thought about it yet so I wondered. The next morning I returned to work as usual but this time I spent the first hour or so of my day thinking about what God wanted of me. I made a few phone calls to leaders in the Catholic church community and by the end of the day I had 2 interviews scheduled for the following week. Let me stop right there for a minute. I want you to understand the impact this has had on my life. I was absolutely stunned by the outpouring of Church leaders who sent me supportive letters and/or who invited me to come and talk with them. Although I did not feel sorry for myself or cry over the loss of a job I loved, I did get very choked up by the support I received. Both of the jobs I am interviewing for next week are WONDERFUL positions and I would be lucky to be offered either of them. One is with the Diocese and the other is with another fantastic Catholic organization. I am blessed that they wanted to speak to me, and if that is as far as it goes, I would be fine with that. If it leads to a job, that would be even better! Afterall it is all up the Jesus.
It's 2 days before my 44th birthday and 2 weeks before Christmas. I have bills piled up from the holidays and I have no idea where I will be going or what I will be doing in 2010, but for the first time in a very long time, I am sooo happy! Advent is the season of expectant hope, and Jesus is making that all the more personal for me this year. What a blessing. So today I wait with anticipation and hope for the next little chapter of my life in Christ. If this was my birthday present, I can't wait to see what He has in mind for Christmas! :)
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