Whenever I blog about events from my past I always want to clarify that my intent is in no way shape or form trying to drum up feelings from the past. What happened 9 1/2 years ago at SGT is over with and done. It's time to look forward. I'm only bringing up the past to glorify my Lord and give Him praise for what He did in my life and how far He has taken me. All glory, honor and praise goes to Him. I am forever grateful!
It was the fall of 2013. It was 2 months after my last Sunday as the Children's Pastor at SGT. I had to wake up at 3:00 a.m. jump in the shower, throw on my black suit with my white shirt and black tie, drive to Deer Park to Tran Star Executive Limo Company to get the keys to my town car. That was my job. Driving a limo. Many times early in the morning my first job was usually to pick someone up at 4:30 a.m. and they needed to be transported to either JFK or LaGuardia Airport. I spent many many many days waiting at JFK or at a Burger King right by LaGuardia waiting for my next "job" which was someone arriving. It was not a great season in my life. I was alone...A LOT!! I missed being Pastor Dave and doing kids ministry. I was in a deep depression. I hated my job. I never got to see my family. I would sometimes get home at 7:00 p.m., eat a late dinner and go to bed. The following day I did the same job over and over. I can't even begin to tell you the times I cried. I used to bring my laptop to look for ministry jobs online. When I kept hearing "You are very talented but you are overqualified" I decided to look at other jobs. You name it...I applied for it. Truck driving, Cost Co. BJ's, Enterprise rent a car, post office, UPS, Trader Joe's....I lost count. That season in my life was rough but I grew from it all. I learned a lot about myself and most of all I learned what it means to forgive. Going through that season was difficult but if I didn't have the Lord in my life there is no way I would be sitting behind this computer screen writing this blog to you with a straight head on my shoulders.
Fast forward 9 years later. September 2022! Life has been good! I was just installed as an Associate Pastor at a new church plant in Rocky Point. I have had opportunities to preach. I am back to organizing programs for kids and families. I have always been "Pastor Dave" but now I am "Back in the Saddle!" My confidence is back and I feel joy! I am not saying at all that my life is perfect. Far from it. I believe God brought me through so much to make me strong. I know what it's like to be in emotional and physical pain. I know the importance of forgiveness. I have learned over and over what it means to trust in God 100%!
The days between September 2013 through September 2022 were life changing. So many things took place. There were days I wanted to die. Days I didn't want to get out of bed. Days I thought I was in a real life nightmare. Days I wanted revenge on those who hurt me. I was thinking back to my life 9 years before September 2013. That would be September 2004. Life was good then! Of course I went through challenging things but God was always with me! Sure, I went through some painful things and I had many victories. God always brought me through.
I praise God for my life from my days at the JFK Limo lot to my present day serving at an amazing church that is only 7 months with an amazing Senior Pastor and church attenders who love God. Let's see what God has in store for all of us! As scary as this sounds, 9 years from now will be September 2031. I will be a young 67 years old. Just a kid....right?
Just a kid
ReplyDelete