Surfing the Inner N8

My family and I are blessed with a lot of people in our lives that are very caring and take a genuine interest in what’s happening with us. Since there’s been a lot going on lately and I’m not always that great with communicating about personal matters, I thought I’d write this post to bring up to speed anyone who’s up for reading it.

Friends and family members have been asking about my job situation. Last summer I was hired to start a Bible study ministry in Ocean City. The pay is for one year, but as I’ve said all along, I would love to keep it going for as long as God sees fit. It will go up to June, then break for the summer, and after that… who knows? Hopefully we’ll start it again in the fall, but this past year I’ve learned more than ever than I’m truly not the captain of my own life.

Whether that ministry continues beyond the summer or not, I still need a job. Several have asked if I’m planning to start a new church or searching for a pastoral position in an existing church. The answer to both questions is a resounding no. Carolyn, Laura Marie, and I have plugged into SonRise Church, which is a healthy, thriving, gospel-driven church that—as far as I’m concerned—I’d love to be a part of until God is done with me. This is the part where people look at me quizzically and ask what I’m going to do for a living. My answer: I have no idea. When you’re a pastor, it’s easy to confuse your job with your purpose in life. At this point I’d be perfectly happy just to have a job where I make an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, can influence people for Christ, and find my greater purpose as a husband, father, and church member.

Having said that, I should also let you know that I’ve recently accepted the position of Small Groups Pastor at SonRise. It’s not something I sought, but I’m deeply honored to be placed in the position. It’s not a full-time job, and really not even a part-time job, as it’s a stipend kind of thing. So it has no bearing at all on my search for a full-time job somewhere.

Another recent change in the Hyde household is that I’m now officially old. I was hoping to make it to at least 40 before having old-man problems, and I made it pretty close, but a few weeks ago I found out I have two herniated discs. Next week I see a specialist, and hopefully he’ll get me fixed up. In the meantime it’s just a matter of coping, trying to contribute around the house, and not driving Carolyn crazy. I’ll post an update here once this is squared away, but I’m not going to talk about it much until then. I’m absolutely determined not to be one of those middle-aged guys who’s always talking about aches and pains! If you catch me becoming that guy, you have my permission to smack me.

One last thing: Today we found out that we need to move by July. For almost 11 years we’ve rented this house in Ocean Pines from a truly saintly woman who moved out of state to be near her grandchildren. It’s the only place we’ve lived since we got married, and the only home our daughter has ever had. In fact, it’s the longest that any of us have ever lived anywhere. This place has been a real blessing and a wonderful home, but now it’s time to move on. Literally.

So… there you have it. Hopefully that clears up some things. I’ll do my best to communicate about these matters as developments occur. In the meantime, if you should happen to think of us, we’d be grateful to be remembered in prayer. We know God’s got all this in His hands, and there’s no other way we’d rather have it.