I've been thinking...

Ok, now that I'm getting over my snit...thank your for your patience...

I've been thinking about pursuing some graduate work. My challenge is that I'm interested in too many things. I'd love some more work in Youth and Family ministry. I'd love to explore studies in Preaching. And there's my original passion and interest, the intersection of psychology and theology. I'm just not sure what would fit me the best, and be the best asset to my ministry. (And I'm not sure how I would juggle job, family and studies, especially now with a baby.)

What has prompted these reflections is the fact that my current parish is probably going to fall apart within the year in response to the ELCA's Sexuality Statement passed at this year's assembly. Since I have a very big chance of being out of a job by early 2010, it has started me thinking about what's next.

We want to move back to our "home" territory, and be closer to family...and civilization. We're interested in exploring perhaps serving together at a call. I'm pretty sure I want to continue with a part time call. Being able to be home with my children, and not gone all the times at meetings and events is a luxury I hope I can continue to have. I want to settle somewhere where we can stay for a good long time, and give our kids some stability, if that's possible for pastors.

It's all pretty nebulous right now. And I've been told that there aren't that many openings right now because pastors in my denomination aren't moving as much because of the economy. But I have to trust that we'll be guided to the wheres and whats. I started to fill out the mobility paperwork, which really is the first step. These forms are a huge pain in the behind, but they do force you to think about where you've been, where you want to be, and who you are as a pastor. It's going to take a few months to finish them, but hopefully the process will help me clarify some things for myself and my family.

So what's next? I don't know. As my sister-in-law tells me, it's one day at a time. As scripture tells me, don't worry about tomorrow, today's troubles are enough for today. I just have a hard time remembering that, and giving myself over to the process. I want the end result, the answers, right now!