Adversity: Part VI

From time to time, we are going to have to do things that are solely a "means to an end." That exactly identifies the current period for me. My father always said, "Work the job you have, until you can find a better one."

I cannot say that I have always followed this practical, and simple piece of advice, as I have experienced a few bouts with unemployment. Even though the advice is sound, I have typically had jobs, that didn't last, as they were "below my pay-grade" either in the areas of compensation and responsibility; and often times, both. I have a certain set of knowledge, skills and abilities that not just your average employee has to offer. I therefore, typically become bored with the monotony and repetition of these extremely simple daily activities and responsibilities, and when bored I "give up the gig." This leads to a break in the income stream, and thus timely payment to current obligations. This is not a good thought process, or resulting outcome, but I desire to have work that at least has enough variation that requires some higher-level problem solving; promoting thought, analysis and action on my part. The more complex, the better.

With a "means to an end" current situation, I have been able, this time, to change my perspective. In my maturity, I have come to the understanding of the importance of following my father's sage advice.

On a Tuesday morning, I started a job as a construction laborer on an apartment complex in downtown Asheville. It had been years since I had done manual labor and yet I found enjoyment and an uncanny peace about working toward my end-goal, no matter the cost. I am awake most mornings by 5:30 AM and travel to a local coffee shop to work on this project, (the book you are reading,) for an hour prior to my 7:30 AM start at the job site.

One of my favorite things to do is mowing the lawn. I have not had that luxury since the summer of 2013, when I moved into a home in July. I signed a lease-option agreement with an eighteen-month option. Admittedly, it was more house than I needed, but I was caring and providing a home for my fiancé and her two sons. Four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms was comfortable, it seemed. We moved in at the end of May and were unfortunately forced out, for nonpayment as stated in the rental agreement, on November 30th.

The point I am making here, is that mowing the lawn and doing manual labor has its own unique benefit. At the end of the day, you can see a finished project. You know where yo started at the beginning of the day, and can see your progress as the day goes on and comes to a close.

But my mistake in late 2013 was not an uncommon occurrence in my life. I had "bitten off more than I could chew," financially, without the necessary income required to cover the monthly outlay.

Point 2:  For every action, there is an eminent and definite reaction; be it positive or negative.

Paul writes in Acts 20:23, "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." How is that for action and the resulting reaction? Paul feels absolutely certain, by way of having a connection to the Holy Spirit, that not only hardship awaits him, no matter where he travels on his mission for Christ, but imprisonment.

Would you be prepared, bold enough and have the resolve to carry out the mission that Christ has set before you, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that such a level of adversity was an absolute certainty?

Putting what Paul was going to endure against the idea of shoveling red clay and picking up trash for 8 hours a day seems like a "cake walk." It also puts a little money in my pocket, allowing me to have gas to get to and from work and to eat out from time to time.

It also eliminates and relieves financial stress, which many times in the past led to vomiting daily in the morning. I knew I had bills to pay, and no progress was made the previous day (i.e. money made.) There are certain benefits in an hourly wage. I can see that more clearly, now more than ever, removing stress that leads to a relative peace, knowing that my obligations can be met while actively working on other things that will provide better results in the form of larger paychecks down the line; paying exponential and residual dividends.

Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!" It is easy to tout our troubles to others instead of focusing on what we need to do to fix it.

I had a short conversation with my ex father-in-law recently. He, my fiancé and my publisher are the only ones who know about this book. I needed, desperately, to share my desire to write and publish my work to an outside, third-party, who would no pass judgement. My internal strife was heavy on my heart, with the current lack of positive relationships that I was experiencing with family. I can easily recall my actions that caused pain to others, but I was concerned with what I could do to repair them.

His advice was that I start small. Make small talk. Ask simple, genuine questions such as , "How are things?" Be prepared to accept the outcome when the conversation reaches a breaking or stopping point, and try again in a week, two weeks or even a month. Build from there until there is a positive, running dialogue. The point to take away here is that only I can control my actions. I can decide to pick up the phone and dial the number. What I can't control, is the reception, or lack thereof, on the other end.

The other point to share is the fact that what I am writing will go into print. I explained how excited I was, and the events leading up to, finding my publisher who will get the message to the world in print. I shared how I was encouraged by this positive development, and he agreed that it was not a small feat or accomplishment. My name will appear on the front cover of a book, written by me, read and touched by others and it is a dream come true. I can completely control the development of, and the resulting finished product, (the writing,) and I have a local expert that has agreed to take the reigns and do the rest. The final product will be on the shelves in November 2017.

The greatest benefit is that my publisher is indeed , local. Having published ninety-one authors to date, she is not lacking in experience. Perhaps even greater than working with someone local is her approach. It is a ministry of love, the simple goal being getting an author's message to the masses.

It is a Christian ministry, and my work as it is being Christian Non-Fiction. With those qualities and principles in place, my relative chance for success, greater than my small brain can imagine, presents the possibility of an entirely fruitful outcome. Again, I am encouraged by the opportunity and possibilities, great or small. The book itself, will be a success; in and of itself, whether I sell one or one hundred-thousand copies. At the end of the day, it is up to me to control the process and finished project. From there, I will be faithful in allowing God to take care of the rest; as He is within me. He will be along for the ride from idea to completion.

One of my top-5 favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 8:28. "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

So I march on. I can break my back Monday through Friday, write in the morning before work, (or after a short nap; my favorite time to write,) and finish my novel day-by-day, one step at a time.

When I put the pieces into the correct perspective, the "means to and end" idea seems small in comparison under the umbrella of adversity. I am weaving a beautiful web. I get to go to work. I get the opportunity to write every day. Working gives me peace knowing that I can pay my bills. I have food and housing; my basic needs are met.

It is no coincidence that doors were closed that I felt certain were wide open. Without doubt, I am encouraged by the journey. I was too quick to leave Asheville in 2016, even more quick to go to Atlanta and while the time spent in each was short and wonderful in their own way, I was ushered back to Asheville by the Lord. The divine purpose for my return was laid out long before I left; that of reconnecting with my publisher. An artist in training, brought back to a community of artists, with a message to create and present to an audience of an uncertain size; which will in His time be revealed by God.