Jared's job.

As I was brushing my teeth, Becky looked at me and said, "our supporters keep asking me what your job is." Then she said, "I think it's time to tell them."

She has a point. And. So do those of you who have been asking.

To catch everyone up on this story:

1. We moved to Colorado to start a new expression of the gospel, a church.

2. Our first year (or so) of living here, the plan is simply to fall in love with the people, the culture, and rhythms of Arvada, CO.

3. During this first year, I am working a full time job for two primary reasons:

- ONE: To have a consistent connection with amazing people outside of church networks and circles.

- TWO: To cover a portion of our family finances (ie: limit usage fundraising dollars).

So, I got a job with a company that cleans yards.

That's right, I scoop dog poop.

(pause for you to laugh, maybe smile)

If you are still here reading, I need you to know I LOVE my job.

I make really great money. I work by myself. AND...it is an awesome company to be a part of.

Here are some things I am learning and processing:

1. Being a leader is tiring. This is the first job I have had since High School that is not a leadership position. As a leader, you are constantly waiting for something to happen, making something happen, or trying to figure out why something didn't happen the way it was supposed to (ie: parenting). In my current job, I am only responsible for leading myself. I get my job done, communicate with my supervisors, and then clock out. Believe me when I say this, it is wonderful to not have that pressure on me right now.

2. I took being a pastor for granted. To be clear, I am still a pastor. What I didn't realize was how good I had it when I was working full time in a local church in assistant roles. Right now, all of the tasks that came natural for me in a local church role are extremely difficult in my current rythmns. A few examples: Checking/responding to emails (I do not sit in front a computer for work anymore), scheduling meetings with people (I work 7am-3pm all week), getting motivated for church stuff (You get home from work and only have so much time to invest in so many things), etc.

3. God is using this job to humble me (again). Its a great job but its not glamours at all. In fact, occasionally its kinda gross. There are moments when I feel emaressed to let anyone know I scoop dog poop for my job all week. Truth is, its a really great job with an incredible company that pays great (with benefits). As old as I am, I still find myself falling into the pit of 'writing a negative narrative' in my head.' The truth I remind myself of is that none of my friends, family, or supporters think less of me for doing this. The voice heaping shame sounds a lot like me.

4. Churches are hard to find. I drive all over the front range (West of Denver), 5 days per week, and there are few signs of thriving churches. If you live in the midwest or US South, you may be used to seeing multiple churches on your commute and occasionally seeing a bumper sticker or T-Shirt advertising someone's faith community. This side of town is full of wonderful people but there is little to no evidence of Jesus being part of the community.

5. I am learning to pray-on-the-go. I have had to learn to talk to God outside of my preferred "quiet times" and abide (with Him) while on the go. It wasn't easy and I went a few weeks without giving my God much attention at all. I hadn't realized how much I had boxed prayer into a set time where the world has to be quiet. God is meeting me in the noise.

Ok, that's it. Since so many people are so curious about this job. Here is a bonus blog about the logistics of what I actually do. Also, I purposely did not include the name of the company I work.

- Jared