Finances at the church my hubby is associate pastor have been tight over the past few years. In 2009, we knew there was a possibility that Eric might be laid off. That day came this past week...bummer )o:  

With the economy still making up its mind what it wants to be when it grows up, it just is what it is. Several people in our church are unemployed or facing tough times, so as one of my friends used to say, “You ain’t special.”

The day after Eric gave me the news, I wrote:

According to my schedule, I don't have time to squeeze in a pity party. And there's not enough square footage in our house for a 'poor me' room. 

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

I’m not in denial; I actually have a thing for reality. But I’ve long employed this silly “five-minute rule” in my writing life that’s useful in other areas as well. Whenever an editor notifies me that my idea has been either rejected or accepted, I give myself five minutes to mope or celebrate, respectively. Then it’s back to work.

I admit, I gave myself a little more than five minutes to be sad over this major game-changer. But that’s it. I was finishing up my notes for that weekend’s youth service. I’m preparing for a youth retreat this weekend, a national youth convention in July, working on an editorial deadline, and my hours have picked up at the Apple store. I feel disappointed and sad at the news, but . . .

I DONT’ HAVE TIME TO LIVE THERE.

Eric will be working at Real Life Church through the end of June. As he job hunts, our church board will try to pay him in July and August and provide insurance thru September. On staff or not, we and our kids love our congregation, and they love us; so unless God opens a door outside the Twin Cities, Real Life will continue to be our church home.

With a degree in biology, and over twenty years of anal retentive administrative experience, Eric's open to the marketplace, a parachurch organization, or a church, but not close-fisted regarding any of them. God isn’t limited to one place, time, or skill set.

We’ve been at cross-roads before. As scary as it can be, we know this is our challenge, but not God’s. Jesus didn’t drive off the road when He heard the news. So, neither will we.

If you’re a praying person, we value your prayers. Now, back to work!