meet me in...atlanta?

it's been a year now, a year that michael's been looking for a job as a pastor. and, a stressful year in many ways. we've seen many doors crack, but not a single one stay open long enough to shove a toe through.

perhaps that's my fault because i prayed that God would only open one door. as in the one.

such is the way God seems to work in our lives.

before christmas, michael was contacted about a job by a ministry that is dear to both of our hearts. an organization that God has used to bless us and provide for us over the last almost-five years. it's something we both believe in.

but it's not a church.

it's a job that would offer an opportunity for him to be mentored by a really cool guy, to gain experience shepherding a staff and growing a ministry, to use his background in business for the kingdom.

but it's not a church.

michael's a great fit, in all respects. i worked for this ministry for four years so he understands the people he'd be leading. we've served as volunteers for even longer. since the fall, he's been interviewing and screening prospective volunteers. he's got the gifts to be successful in the role.

but it's not a church.

it's been a week full of prayer and questioning and asking God what he's up to. wondering and trying to guess why he might be taking us to a job that's not a pastorate. feeling like the hundreds of hours michael invested into the job search might be in vain. he'd would really love this job. but, his heart, my heart, it's with the church.

and so we've prayed that if this is where he's calling, God would close every other door that remains cracked. and he is. just last night michael talked to the search committee chair of the church he was farthest "in" with. they like him, really like him in fact, and he was their top candidate, but several older folks on the committee really want someone older than michael, with more experience.

we're slowing starting to dream and realize this really might be it. which is exciting.

and terrifying at the same time.

today, michael will call his prospective supervisor and let him know we'll come visit atlanta and see the ministry there. and we're praying that if this isn't it, God would slam the door shut.

because really? we don't want to be there if that's not what he has for us.

so, we ask that you'd pray with us:

*that if this is the direction God has for us that we'd continue to grow in excitement, especially michael;
* that michael and i would be like-minded about where God is taking us;
* that if this is not the direction we should go, that he would make that abundantly clear.

can't wait to see what he's up to!