I haven’t written for a bit … life has been busy, complicated, at times challenging – but that’s to be expected, this life we’ve been given was never meant to be easy. As James, the Brother of Jesus writes, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3, NIV) Clearly, God intends me to be a man of character, or perhaps just a character – I’m not sure?

Today marks my last day in my job as a project estimator for my current employer, and hopefully, my last day in this career. I had planned on working through tomorrow, but given the snow & ice storm that landed in the mid-Willamette Valley this morning, I decided to cash out my remaining floating holiday and leave a day early. It took me over an hour on my commute this morning, and tonight’s forecast is for more snow, so I figured why put myself through another stressful day of driving (it took me over an hour on the commute this morning).

I just turned in my final project, my desk is clean, my office packed, my computer wiped of all personal files, and I’m about to wash my coffee cup – my time has come. Now, I sit and await my exit interview … I really have nothing to say, other than ‘thank you’. The last (3) years here have been good to me … God has been good to me … I’ve made several good friends here – brothers in Christ – that will continue to be part of my life. I tend to be one of those kind of guys that tries to leave relationships on good terms, vs. scorched earth. I actually went around the shop and gave those that were special to me departing gifts … some of those cherished knick-knacks that adorned my desk & office space, as a gift of gratitude & a token to remember me by. If I’m being honest with myself, I received much more benefit from this employment than return given. Abba very much blessed with a comfortable work-space, relaxed schedule, extremely accommodating boss, benevolence beyond measure in regard to the medical benefits & PTO donated to me as I dealt with not only the sudden decline of my Mom’s health, but my own personal battle with cancer, thyroid disease and a sick heart. God provided, when my need was great!

Monday I will start a new career as an on-site property manager for a large multi-family apartment complex in Salem, working for a large, locally owned Oregon property management company. This opportunity will allow me the autonomy of being my own boss, also allowing me to flex my skills in project estimation, project management, and customer service. Not to mention, my compensation package includes a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment, secure space to park my motorcycle, a covered parking space, full medical benefits, in addition to my salary, plus a bonus room that I’ll be able to use as a pastor’s study for my ministry. Given the fact that things seem to keep ‘breaking’ in the trailer, my water lines keep freezing with these sub-20° temps we’ve been experiencing, and the fatigue I’ve been experiencing from the ‘boondocking’ lifestyle I’ve led living in a ’33 RV trailer, I’m more than ready to transition into apartment living. Thank you Father for this new opportunity …

I mentioned Ministry … I’m beyond blessed with the Ministry opportunities that God has given me the last couple of years. First as a chaplain preaching to the elderly, then a small group leader in Men’s Ministry, which led me to start my own Men’s Ministry, followed by the introduction of Seminary (although, I’ve put that on ‘hold’ right now), then chaplaincy in the motorcycle community and now the pastorate in a small country church. And the church ministry has exceeded all of my expectations! I went from struggling to write a sermon and being a bit unsure of my preaching abilities, to feeling comfortable in the pulpit & sermon prep, and now very much enjoy counseling members of my flock. The church just held its first corporate prayer meeting outside of regular church services. We regularly stay after church services, munching on goodies provided by members in fellowship with one another. And this Saturday I’ll be officiating my first wedding at the church, as a licensed pastor. The elders recently agreed to license me as a pastor, allowing me to officiate baptisms, weddings and other services. Again, God is good!

Exit Interview complete … I was able to hug my boss (He’s a Brother in Christ), the car is loaded, I’ve said most of my goodbyes, just watching the clock, waiting to turn in my ID badge & key and grab my final check. I’m in the home stretch – tonight I’ll fellowship with brothers in bible study, and tomorrow I’ll spend the day starting to clean & pack the trailer and preparing for the wedding at the church on Saturday. Our God is a Mighty God …

Tomorrow the journey begins …

²⁴ The Lord bless you, and keep you;

²⁵ The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;

²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.

NUMBERS 6:24-26 (NASB-95)