On February 14, 2022 (Valentine’s Day), I sit at my computer – jobless! Difficult to believe that I am jobless. Just a reminder and for those who do not know. On December 22, 2021, I taught my last day of public high school music in California. On October 15, 2021, the district administration gave me directives to follow. Two of the directives, I chose not to follow:
- refrain from saying to your students “I love ya”
- refrain from using social media.
By not following them, I would have been terminated. I took their “threat” of termination literally. If you want to know more, please read Explanation of Retirement | Band Together (conductingmylife.com)
So, since January 11, 2022, I have been without a job. Now, what to do?
As I pursue a job, I want to keep answering this question.
I have applied to several positions for Bel Air / Raley’s (grocery store), several positions for Sprouts (another grocery store), an administrative position at the church we attend and an administrative position at a local charter school.
Well, got denied from the administrative position at the church. I did have an interview for the Raley’s grocery store in a nearby city and received the “Thanks for the interview” letter on Friday, February 11, 2022. Tuesday, February 15, 2022, I do have an interview for the administrative position at a local charter school.
Now, things are getting a little more interesting. With only $4,500 a month on retirement. No sign of a new job. No desire to leave California… YET! President Biden’s horrific economy for folks like me and my wife. Yes. I would say, things are getting a little more interesting.
Now, what to do?
Well, I turn to that website I introduced to you last week. 8 Helpful Verses for When You Don’t Know What to Do – Topical Studies (biblestudytools.com) I love what it has given to me so far. We will look at Number Four.
A Verse for Perseverance
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
There is a harvest coming soon. We might not be able to see it, but don’t let that make you quit. Even if you are not sure which way to turn right now or you are not positive what God is telling you, you can surrender your heart right now in this moment and God promises He hears when His children call. His direction and instruction isn’t fluttering in the wind waiting for us to find it. It’s in the Bible. It’s found in daily dedicating our hearts to His glory. Cling to that hope even when you don’t know what to do next.
How comforting this verse and accompanying thought are for me.
One of the reasons I retired early was to promote (unusual word … but I will keep it) my belief and understanding how God works. How we are to lean in on Him. I had no job to go to. This wasn’t a planned move – per se. Diana (my wife) and I … yes, discussed what it will cost to make this decision happen. We knew what we were doing. We talked to CAL-STRS. So, it is a “providential move.”
Yet, there is no sacrifice without cost and now … Diana and I are feeling the cost.
However, there are so many other “feelings” we are experiencing.
From family and friends, the amount of love we are receiving has exponentially increased. I have had texts. Emails. Prayers. Not that those haven’t have happened before. There is more “purpose” … more “focus.”
We are feeling a sense of calmness. I certainly am not feeling the stress I had been prior to December 22, 2021. For really the last, ten-plus years I was being asked to not be me. How is that not stressful? To be someone else is very difficult for me.
My advice for all of you who in a job that is not matching your Christian principles (and, if you are not a Christian, just leave that word out), you need to strongly consider leaving the job!
Yet, part of the challenge many of us are facing – COVID19 brought this to many of our attention – is we are using fear has the Center of Influence. Every decision is based on fear, and I am here to tell you as a “Fear Addict” … do all you can (I am doing my best) to replace fear in the Center of Influence with principles / Jesus Christ !! Be a Principle-Centered Person.” (Read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (30th Anniversary Ed.): Covey, Stephen R.: 9781982137137: Amazon.com: Books)
Know that when I write these articles for you, I am in the need of everything I am advising you! I don’t have it “all together.” I am imperfect. I am a sinner. This isn’t coming from ‘Mistake-Free-Paul.’ NOPE!
I write this as a fellow human attempting to add value to your life and at the same time add value to my life …AND… represent Jesus Christ to the best of my ability.
Did you read that previous statement? Nowhere does the word “perfect” appear! Nowhere!
So… bottom line … as you know… I KNOW YOU KNOW… Keep the good fight going. Persevere. Every door that closes is for a purpose. God did not want that for you. Life is a maze and God is the Guide through the maze. He will direct you. The door closes in part, for you to lean in on Him more! I will keep you up to date with the continue answer to the question, “Now what to do?”
Several Bible verses on perseverance.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
- 2 Chronicles 15:7 – But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
- Acts 20:24 – However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
- Hebrews 12:1 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hope this helps one person today. Just a reminder of an exciting event coming up!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
If you are in Visalia, CA / have friends in Visalia or near Visalia, here is the information for our event:
April 29, 2022 – 7pm-9pm Cafe 210 SOMETIMES YOU WIN SOMETIMES YOU LEARN for TEENS Super SUPER important to understand… this SOMETIMES YOU WIN SOMETIMES YOU LEARN for TEENS is SECULAR. The material is focused for ALL TEENAGERS WHO WANT TO LEARN THAT FAILURE IS MEANT FOR US TO IMPROVE! Drink / Snack / Book will be provided (Cost $10 – GREAT PRICE! The BAND TOGETHER-VISALIA Team is looking for sponsors. We want the cost for participant’s cost to be as low as possible!) If interested in helping sponsor this event, please contact me at band2gether@comcast.net
April 30, 2022 – 8am Registration; 9am-3pm First Presbyterian Church of Visalia… Super SUPER important to understand… this John C. Maxwell’s: THE 15 LAWS OF INVALUABLE GROWTH is SECULAR. The material is focused on ALL PEOPLE WHO WANT TO INTENTIONALLY GROW! The church is in a convenient location and Cafe 210 (providing lunch) is right next door. The seminar will include a lunch / book / materials and you help provide the ‘GOOD TIME (smile).’ (Cost: $55 per participant … OR … $400 per table of EIGHT! The BAND TOGETHER–VISALIA Team is looking for sponsors. We want the participant’s cost to be as low as possible!)
To register for both events (helps with how much food to prepare and how many books / supplies we need to purchase) —– MARCH 7, 2022 at https://www.conductingmylife.com
If you want to go or help sponsor others to attend, contact me at band2gether@comcast.net Again, if you feel led to help support this event, we are looking for SPONSORS. Great way to advertise your business. Great way to share your HOPE for a better world! Thank you!
Final thought: if you are interested in hosting your own THE 15 LAWS OF INVALUABLE GROWTH (or one of the several other John C. Maxwell books, INCLUDING BIBLICAL BASED MATERIAL), let me know. This is my future. Would love to have you be a part of a great future for you and me! Go to https://www.conductingmylife.com