So I have worked four days now at this new part time job as a tutor at a local learning center. Day one was rough as I expected. Day two was worse than rough – didn’t expect that – considered quitting. Day three was much better. Day four was the best. I hope I have slid into a trend. I think it will be a great part time job.

I have been praying a lot about financial things. The majority of these prayers have been focused upon attaining a job that will sufficiently replace the income gained through the mowing of lawns. Don’t get me wrong. I still love to sweat and everything, but the allergies are driving me crazy. It’s like I’ve spent the last six years in a dust and grass storm, and my body is rejecting any more of it.

And so, the prayer was answered. I got a job at a local tutoring center, and I think it will really work out for me. The center will give more hours during the summer, and less during the school year. Perfect fit! From a Perfect God. I’m just amazed at His response to my prayers. It makes me think of a couple of favorite verses:

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble…

Nahum 1:7

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…

James 1:17

We welcomed Summer not too long ago in the usual way – with a water fight. I am usually not so interested in getting all wet, but this time was different than most. I was basking in the sunshine of paid unemployment – AKA summer vacation for a teacher. I need to remember these days before I look for a new vocation. I am still on the fence here. Can you tell?

We have this card game that we have been “playing” lately. The word is in quotes because CC tells me that we are not playing it correctly.

The cards are formatted in this way:

• the phrase “Would You Rather” begins each question
• a choice between two scenarios is presented
• the choice (due to the fact that both scenarios are usually equally undesirable) creates a dilemma.

I mentioned that we are not playing it correctly. We actually have not really been playing the game at all. We seem to be intrigued, as a family, with just reading the choices, and talking about which choices we would make.

The card that brought on a stiff belly-laugh for me is as follows:

WOULD YOU RATHER…

Have to sing everything you say

OR

Shout everything you say?

The thought of both choices brings a comical situation to mind. Can you imagine doing either of these?

First, singing everything you say would definitely cause most folks to question your stability (if they don’t already). You would be the next Julie Andrews, except for the fact that you would never stop singing. The element of surprise that comes from bursting forth into song in a crowd at a mall or a market place would be lost, because you would always be singing. Everywhere and at every time! I dare you to try it for a day.

Second, shouting everything would have its own problems. I am a teacher, and while I sometimes and tempted to shout in the line of duty, I think the shock effect of screaming out at students would wither on the vine sometime during the first week of school (provided I retained my job that long). And can you envision a simple visit to H.E.B.? “HOW MUCH ARE THE BANANAS!” would probably get you trailed by security, and “WHERE”S THE BATHROOM?” would undoubtedly turn some heads.

Anyway, the point is that this game is a fun one even if we are not playing it correctly. It surely gets everyone engaged in conversation.

I’m not so sure what is around the next corner. Neither am I sure whether it awaits or lurks, but I am eager to see.

Today I finalized my plans to attempt to gain an interview at a local company. It is a company that has open positions that seem like a perfect fit for someone with my qualifications and experience. I am just praying that I choose according to the LORD’s plans, and that the possible change is the best for my family.

I just finished my last batch of test questions 3 days BEFORE the due date! One step closer to Christmas vacation.

This week was one of the longest weeks that I’ve had in a while. Nothing was particularly bad about the week. I’m just tired and ready to have a two week vacation. It is at times like these when I am so thankful to be a teacher. I really look forward to sleeping in. What about you, Kane?

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work

Aristotle

Nice quote to exercise my thinking about what step is next. Wherever it is, there should be pleasure in it. Still considering…

My wife asked me to write a post describing 6 things I’ve learned lately. Here it is:

1. I have recently learned how to upload a podcast on my blog at work. I have even learned a bit about adding music on either end of the recording so as to spice things up a bit.
2. In recent days, we watched a History Channel series on the American Revolutionary War. I learned that the Americans were trailing (so to speak) throughout the whole war, and that, at many times, things looked as if there was no chance that the British could ever lose. I also have been able to glean a life lesson – we should all wait patiently for our “Yorktown” just as General George Washington did.
3. There are many “winds” of doctrine always floating around, but many more during an election year.
4. Expressing my thoughts in written form fulfills a deep need for me.
5. Eating less for dinner allows me to sleep less that evening.
6. God provides, very often, at the last moment, when things look grim.

It’s been a great first week back at school. It’s amazing how smooth everything has gone. I guess I should not be so startled, because I have covered each day with prayer. God is faithful.