What I’ve Been Up To

It’s been a while since I updated what is happening in my life so now is as good a time as any.

Back in the fall E3 had this little thing called Pathways and it was quite exhausting. Going back before that I was the interim worship pastor at E3 while our lead pastor was on a sabbatical. By the time November rolled around I was quite tired and ready for a break, so I took one. From the beginning of December until Jan. 3, I did not work at E3. It was the most time I had taken off from E3 since 2007 and it was a much needed rest. I had done some calculations and realized I had been involved in some way at almost every E3 gathering since 2007. A breather was needed.

So what did I do with my time off? Not much to tell the truth. I read some books, watched some movies, did some writing, wrote some football blogs,  some soul searching, worked at my day job, and went home to DC for Christmas. It truly was a time of rest and it allowed me some much needed room to think. I came to some conclusions a few of which may surprise you, and some of which will make you groan.

1. I got back into vinyl records. Yes, it’s a bit cheesy but I love the sound of vinyl, the mid ranges are missed in most digital downloads and having that warm, clean sound is a comfort to a music snob like myself. I received some money at Christmas and was told to not spend it on bills, so I didn’t. I bought records. I was able to add to my small collection of DC*B Church Music and the Jars of Clay Self Titled some interesting finds like: Magic, Working On A Dream, and The Promise by Bruce Springsteen; Garden Ruin by Calexico; Much Afraid by Jars of Clay; The Boxer and Alligator by The National; and last but certainly not least, Unplugged and In Utero by Nirvana.

2. I read some interesting books. Untamed by Alan and Debra Hirsch, Decision Points by President George W. Bush, Generation iY by Tim Elmore, the new Clancy book, the new Grisham book, and some digital books I can’t remember on my new Kindle (that’s a fun story how I won that, right Dan M?).

3. I re-watched a lot of my West Wing Box Sets. Such a great show, matter of fact, I will devote a blog just to its awesomeness at a later date.

4. I listened to where God was pushing me. It took steps 1-3 a long time to help me relax. I was burnt to a crisp. My energy level had faded and even thinking beyond the next day was too much. Once 1-3 took root, I was able to crack open my Bible and talk to God honestly about my life. In time He reveled the next step and that step is….

I’ve applied to Seminary. I have been on a path towards being a Full-Time Worship Pastor for a while. Still may be. I don’t know what’s in the cards, but I found that I love to teach, I love to write, I love to analyze and I love to read. I’ve learned so much and there’s still more I want to learn and God was pushing me to the next step. The next step is getting a Master’s of Theology and see what doors come from that. I’m single (something that is a blessing and a curse the closer I get to 30), have no debt, and barely am at the poverty line so I may qualify for some grants and aid to go. So I am taking the plunge.

If you are tired, if you are weary, find a way to relax and clear your brain. God is speaking to you, only you can’t hear him sometimes with your busyness. I implore you to unwind, get quiet, and start listening. Once you re-learn to listen, the seeking become easier and clearer.

I tell my story in hopes that some of you will do the same. I have much to do and many miles before I sleep, but I rest easier knowing I’m seeking and walking the path in the right direction again.