“When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.  Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”   Psalm 73:21-26

I have struggled since I was a young man to find my way, always looking for someone to lead the way for me.  For the first time, when I graduated college, I had a path and I knew what I was going to do.  I was licensed to teach music in the state of Wisconsin, and I began the endless days and nights of writing cover letters, resumes, and filling out applications.  I must have sent out forty applications the first Spring and Summer of my graduating year.  After applying, I would follow up with each and every school with an “I was just calling to be sure you have received my application. I am very interested in your school and look forward to hearing from you.”  The first couple of months went by, and I still had no interviews.  I started to analyze my steps in the process, questioning everything I was sending, and questioning who I was. Discouraged, I finally got a call for a long-term substitute position from a principal who had received my resume through the grapevine.  I jumped at the chance. After one month of work, I found out that interviews had already taken place for the permanent position, and I again found myself looking for jobs.  Before I knew it, I was waxing floors overnight at Wal-Mart. I was in my first year of marriage and I had so many questions about "where I am" and "where I need to go."  I prayed and prayed for answers and guidance.

Then, I found myself in the Pastor's office discussing the New Song Band and the future of the group.  With God's guidance, I knew my place in the world would always be in the field of music. I felt a calling to bring people closer to God through what I know best, music.  After that moment, I never gave up or doubted what I am here to do.  I love working for the church and discovering new music every week to bring to everyone who walks in the door, and I eventually got that teaching job I really wanted!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the strength and guidance that You give us.  Your love and sacrifice for us is always inspiring.  Please continue to show us the way and take us in the direction that is Your will. Amen.