Decisions, Decisions

I've been confronted with questions regarding decision making many times in the past. The thing is, those questions usually come from friends; and they're about their lives, not mine. When confronted, I usually say something along the lines of, "Well, I can't tell you a right or wrong answer. In fact, decisions aren't about being right or wrong. All I can tell you is to say a prayer, go with your gut, and make the most of the path you choose. Don't turn this decision into a moral dilemma; you'll kill yourself with worry if you do" This is so much easier said than done.

I recently had to make a life decision that put my decision-making advise to the test...and I'm pretty sure I almost failed.

Some of you will know that my term of volunteer service with PULSE finishes up at the end of July. So what comes next? About one month ago I had two job offers extended to me. One was from Angels' Place, Inc., the Pittsburgh non-profit at which I work part-time; and the other was from my home church congregation in Sidney, OH, First Church of God. These offers turned out to be a blessing and a challenge to me. The blessing was that I had two job offers, and I knew that whichever place I found myself I would have a job. The challenge was that the place in which I wanted to be and the job that suited me best did not coincide. Therefore, I had a huge decision on my shoulders. And this time it didn't just involve me, but also my fiancee, Anna.

I want to say right now that making decisions for yourself is hard enough, but when taking into considerations the hopes, dreams and desires of another human being that decision becomes even more challenging. But I'm thankful it's Anna with whom I'll be making decisions. We certainly didn't do it perfectly; in fact, we failed at a number of occasions along the process. But we're looking forward to learning how to make decisions together in the future.

At any rate, after much prayer, discussion, crying, agonizing, changing of minds, and restless nights, we finally decided to move to Sidney where I will become the Assistant Pastor of Music and Worship in my home congregation.

I'm excited about this! I'm excited to be working in a church, to be playing the piano every week, singing, instructing others in the arts of meaningful worship, and serving in a place where I know I can make a difference.

Anna's also excited about this, and much to my surprise. This move most definitely has stronger implications on her life than it does mine. But she's been very supportive of me through this process, and I'm so thankful for her love and support. I only hope I can be so to her in return.

The decision has been made, but there is much yet to figure out. If you're a praying person, please remember both Anna and me in your prayers as we continue to discern and work out our next steps.