I have never been much of a journal writer. I do enjoy writing a great deal, however.
I'm feeling fairly cynical today. My current employment situation forced me to resign my position at the Bethlehem Baptist Worship team. This team had been one of the best and most education experiences of my life.
I had been hired under the knowledge and understanding that once a month I would be working 2/3 of my shifts so that I could attend and lead worship at our Saturday Night/Sunday Morning worship services.
I received a phone call today from my Boss. She told me she had a "big problem" with all of the time I had been requesting off. I informed her of my resignation. She stated that was good but wasn't sure it was going to be ok for me to have a weekend off in two months. Keep in mind I had requested this off previous to this conversation.
She also informed me that she had been in the office during one of my shifts ten minutes previous to me finishing a shift. Understand that we have been instructed to spend as little time in the office as possible. As a good employee I try not to be in the office at all apart from writing my reports and using the bathroom. She proceeded to accuse me of leaving my shifts early. She let it go after i asked her if she had remained in the office until ten o'clock, when the shift actually finished up.
Needless to say I am looking for different employment as we speak. If anyone knows of a good opportunity, please let me know.
My Grandfather died this last Saturday. I have been very comforted by my wonderful wife Sharaya and many friends. Many people were able to show me ways to look and understand such a thing. It was an entirely new experience for me. While I am rejoicing in the life and grace that was given to my Grandpa, I have also been fairly introspective. Death makes one consider life in a slightly different, albeit cleaner, lens. I am praying that I learn from this experience and my attitudes and emotions are Godly ones.
School has been going well. God is gracious in allowing me the time and energy to continue to attend. I am daily discouraged and encouraged in equal measure, both of which allow me to motivate myself in healthy ways. Motivation isn't neccesarily a new thing for me, but its definately a nice change from my previous educational experiences.
Yesterday I had conversations about my curriculum with both Gordy Knudtson, drummer for the Steve Miller Band, and Judy Donaghy, part of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra. Being in the presence of such musical giants is intimidating. However, both instructors have been nothing but gracious to me and I look forward to future interactions with such encouraging and dynamic personalities.
I couldn't be more proud of my wife. She has started her own design company. Accessories, jewelry and the like will be being designed and made at our apartment in downtown St. Paul. I wish her the best and know that with her drive and creativity, good things will happen for her. She is the greatest blessing I have known in this life.
Life is hard. I have come to realize and expect it. But knowledge of something doesn't make it hurt less. My motto/montra/battle cry over the past few weeks had been: "I have over come the world. Jesus says "In this world, you WILL have trouble. But take heart, for I HAVE OVERCOME the world." It is to this truth that I cling to daily in an effort to both stay sane and continue in the course set before me. Jesus is all we have in this life, and I cannot let him go.
I hope you are well as you read this and I look forward to speaking with you soon.
In Him,
Zach
