What Next?

I'm four months into my interim assignment as associate pastor and know that there will only be some months left, the specific number unknown. Technically, my contract ends in July, but they do not expect to have their permanent associate pastor in place by then. Anticipating that it would work out that way, the senior pastor asked if I would be willing to work past my contract date, and I said yes.

All this means that at some point I will have to ask myself: What next? The basic questions really are: Can I be happy without actively doing ministry? And can I find my niche as a volunteer? Can I be satisfied without employment? That's four questions, and I don't really know the answer to any of them at this moment.

In the past year, some things have become crystal clear. I have definitely lost all interest in denominational meetings. When I get notices of those for either the denomination I belong to, or the one I am currently working in, that is absolutely the last thing in which I have any interest. I am keenly interested in people and relationships. Already, I have discovered that without employment, I lack the necessary access to satisfy my "people needs." I'm sure there are other doors to access besides the church, which I have simply just not identified yet. Maybe that is something I could work on.

There are surely countless opportunities and possibilities yet to unfold. I could join the bell choir. I could try out for a part in a play. I could run in a 5K race or walk a half marathon.

Or I could simply not think about what is next and 'stop and smell the roses', as they say.

For now, however, I have more than plenty on my plate, for the next six months at least. And I honestly don't need to plan anything beyond that.

I am reminded of an old song from when I was just a little girl: Whatever will be will be. Kay sa rah sa rah.