A while back, Justin asked, “People choose places to relocate to based on jobs, schooling system, and family, right?”   

Of course, everyone agreed. 

Then he challenged, “Why not based on a church?  Isn’t the church just as, if not more important, than all of these?”

I was floored by that concept.  At the time, Al didn’t think much of it since we were already determined to go to DC.  Justin, I can't remember what you said verbatim, so I'm just paraphrasing.

Now that we’re already here, we now are discussing our options for 2010.  Today’s sermon at our new church had nothing to do with this topic, in fact, it wasn’t even a sensical sermon, but nonetheless, something hit a nerve in both of us.  For me, it reminded me of my past struggle with grudges, but that holds no bearing on what I’d like to write about today.  For Al, somehow his brain was triggered and what Justin had shared way back when was now ringing clear and true.  Al revisited the question, “Why not pick a place based on church?”

We had a long discussion, as we weighed out possible options.

Indy:  CCCI’s the church where we make the most difference and are most useful.  This has been made particularly clear to us as we currently attend a huge church.  Our talents and finances mean so little to this church, whereas it could mean more to CCCI.  Job opportunities are iffy for what he wants.  Not terribly far from family in Chicago.

Chicago:  our old churches have changed so much that we really don’t know what to expect anymore. Job market is a dry land; what’s available isn’t quite what Al wants.  Close to family, free babysitting would be great when we try to have kids.

Boston:  Didn’t see that coming, did you?  Yeah, neither did we.  Churches, unknown.  Job opportunities, very promising.  So terribly far away from family.  I know my parents will never come to visit, and that the only way we’d see them is if we come back to visit.

St. Louis:  I looked at him, dumbfounded.  Never thought of it before, so I’m apathetic.

Texas or Kansas: Say what?!!?  Al asked me about Texas and Kansas since they were offering a ton of money, and I growled at these obscure places.  It was hard enough to open my mind up to Boston.  He laughed at my growling.

 It’s hard because if you weight out how much time you spend with something, here’s the breakdown of the week:

40-50 hrs à work
50 hrs à sleep (okay, for me, I sleep 70 hrs)
30 hrs à daily necessary tasks (eating, bathroom, walking dogs, doing dishes, doing laundry, paying bills, etc)
5-20 hrs à church (Sunday service, bible study, band practice, hang-outs, etc)
10-30 hrs à misc (relaxing, talking to friends, visiting places, reading manga, checking email, shopping, etc)

Logically, I can see why it’s important to like your job if possible.  You’re practically married to it, for the amount of time you spend with it.

I sometimes like to ask people probing questions, to get to know them better.  One of the questions I've asked is, “If you could ask God any one thing, and he would grant or directly answer your question, what would you ask?” I asked that of my small group one day, and heard the most INTERESTING responses.  They ranged from wings (like huge bird wings) to world peace.  In a way, I feel like the question is being redirected back to me, to probe my heart.  God might very well be asking, “Now you have the freedom to go anywhere, but you have to choose what matters most to you.  What will you choose?  Family, Career, Friends, or Church?”

                     … I don’t know…

I’m afraid to choose what I want most because I’m afraid of being disappointed.
I’m afraid of Boston because it might actually mean “Goodbye” to my family.
I’m afraid of Indy because everyone I cherish there might move away.
I’m afraid of the unknown new states.
I’m afraid of changes to what I used to know in Chicago.
I’m afraid of bearing the responsibility for Al settling for a job that he doesn’t enjoy.  Al would never hold me responsible, but I would.  And I would never let myself live it down.  It’s so much easier to hide behind Al’s shadow and say, “It’s for his work.”

I'm paid well for my job.  I'm happy with my job.  I have committments, like students to mentor and projects to complete.  I curse how little time this world offers, as I never seem to have enough time to do things I want to do.

If you were me, and if you're offered a buttload of money to do a 2nd job (on top of a 40 hr/week job), would you take it?  Condition, it's a 10-11 month committment, and you must do 20-30 hrs/week.  Would you do it?

I said no, after my mother called me greedy and I threw a fit over how much money it was.  What has the woman done to affect me so????  Okay, it wasn't just her.  Al called me greedy too.  They both pointed out how it's too many hours.  But... BUT!!!!  Al's gonna be studying for his oral boards soon, so I have to leave him alone.  Wouldn't it be better if I was occupied with, oh... making money?  Yes yes yes, I'm making excuses to justify  my greed.  Shaddup.

Would you quit your current job and take up the better-paying 2nd job as a full-time job?  It's temporary, so you will be cut after the term is over.  I said no, because I need to finish what I've started with my current commmittments.

I asked my boss for her input.  She earnestly said, "I will support whatever decision you make."  It's that darned awesome attitude of hers that wraps me around her pinky, so hearing that makes me want to dance in the palm of her hand for whatever wages she feels like doling out to me.  Ahhh... like a loyal dog, I pick and stick with my master.  So I turn the job down.  Then she says what she's also really thinking, "I would support you, but MAN, that would REALLY screw me over!!!!"  AHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!!  She knows me too well.

Now the job is asking if I would be willing to do 10-15 hrs/week.

I'm wavering.

Would you do it?  How much annual salary would be enough to make you willing to take on a second job, working 50-60 hrs/week for a whole year?