After a full year of going without work I finally have finally landed the prestigious position of E-Commerce Customer Relations Agent (or something that sounds equally impressive) at The Source; also known as a common call centre agent. It's not my dream job, and it probably won't lead me into my dream job, but it is something that I am good at and will pay the bills. As far as call centres go, The Source HQ in Barrie is probably the best in the city. We are treated with respect, my co-workers are friendly, and the management is warm with an open door policy. It definitely reminds me of working for Quill (Staples) in Regina except The Source specializes in electronics and their training program is much shorter and informal. I am thankful though. I enjoy helping people, I enjoy working with electronics, it pays well enough to start at, and it's relatively close to home.
It feels a little strange I suppose, having reached an academic high point in acquiring my masters degree in theology after a long arduous journey to not be able to specifically use it to make a living yet. I am patient though. Theology is not something you go into to make money or even make a living. You only go into theology because you love God and seek to serve him in a greater capacity. I suppose you could go into it because you love the study of God but it is a sad reality to love studying God without loving God himself. I believe that is commonly called 'religious studies' or even 'biblical studies' in a strictly academic (and profane) sense. In any case, I chose to go into theology and work towards a masters degree in the subject because I love the Lord Jesus and sought to prepare myself for service in his Kingdom. I have always wanted to teach the basics of the Christian faith to others either as a mentor or as an instructor in a Bible School setting, but even though this reality still feels far off I have found myself continually growing deeper both in my faith as a Christ follower and in my knowledge as an academic. I have come to learn of some of the greater mysteries of Christian doctrine, like the Trinity, self-deification, and the unbroken and ever expanding voice of Scripture united throughout time. It is rich and fulfilling to contemplate these things, a good work that tills the soil of my mind and heart for what I hope will be an ever increasing harvest.
We are rebuilding. My family and I have been attending Willow Creek Baspist Church just north of Barrie in Midhurst. Tori used to work there at camps and did tech and so there always seems to be some new person who is super excited to see her again. We are attending life group which has been very good for us. There is also a Moms and Pre-schoolers group that meets which I think has lots of good potential. I have been able to assist a pastor in Orillia by building him a website and help out with leading Bible Study. Every day our children learn and grow more. We have begun the journey of working through an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis and have worked things out with grandma and grandpa so that we can attend the support group meetings which have been encouraging and helpful.
In the calm, when I can get a good look at what is around me, I see new growth and small flowers starting in the mangled soil that had become our life. When I lose my focus and the kids are screaming and I'm tired, and I'm pushing through the chores of life I am sometimes discouraged and continue to fight through depression. But regardless of what perspective I hold I trust and believe that we are where God wants us to be and, by the grace of God, will continue forward in faith.
For now a lot of my time is spent learning the new job and sometimes getting yelled at by angry customers. I suppose those situations could often make excellent blog posts in and of themselves. Writing is cathartic after all. Everything is redeemable in Christ, even the mundane. I have already made a good friend who is not a Christian but is excited to come to church with me and dive into life groups.
I feel again as though I am one of the servants in the parable of the talents. The master has entrusted me with a certain amount and now I must invest it to earn him more. If I am faithful with a little bit then more will be given. I do not want to compare what the master has entrusted me with what the master has entrusted others, that misses the point and distracts me from my purpose. My purpose is to be faithful with what he has given me. What has he given me? A wife. Two young boys. Family close by. A church community. A non-Christian friend. A theological education. A job. A vehicle. And resources to make a living. May I stuart these good gifts well.
Greg Out
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