CAREER JUMPER

His name is Peter and he’s a pastor with a past.  As the minister of a small rural church, Peter’s a guy who vaulted from technology to theology, exchanging his business credo for a new kind of creed,
       Now, I’d always assumed that men of the cloth get their calling from a standing start.  But Peter burst that bubble.  As a career jumper whose migration from business to Bible surprised even him, his metamorphosis occurred at a time when most of us are starting the countdown towards leaving the rat race.  Let me tell you his story.
       I was at a wonderful country wedding beside a pristine lake with the mighty oaks and maples bearing witness to matrimony.
       The vows amongst the boughs complete, I managed to grab the groom's ear:  “Really liked your service,” I mentioned.  “Oh, that’s all Peter’s work,” he said, pointing.
       I glanced at the man in black as he gazed at a purple sky foretelling drizzle.  “Something intrigues me about the pastor,” I said.  “Gonna check him out.”
       Peter extended his hand and uttered almost immediately, “You know, I have to confess I’ve only done a few weddings, so your feedback would be helpful... how’d you like the service?”.  I was a little taken aback, but his smiling curiosity was genuine and the man meant business.
       I set to work politely praising the uniqueness of the ceremony and he seemed particularly pleased, reminding me that even those appearing to be above feedback always benefit from a compliment.  Intrigued, I decided to delve deeper and our conversation became more revealing.
       The son of a contractor who’d faced bankruptcy, Peter learned early about the trials of commerce.  He introduced himself to the world of business by selling solar energy panels (early connection to the heavens?).  But he was ahead of his time and when prospects shut down quicker than the sun darts behind a cloud, he decided it was time to come in from the cold and seek security at Bell Canada.
       Problem was, Peter couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something was missing in his life. He also found it punishing to work for a distracted boss who was rarely available for guidance.
       Now, our man is nothing if not extraordinary so it didn’t take much to realize another adventure was more suited to his destiny, even with a wife and two small kids to support.  In a move that defines courage, he left Bell and applied himself full time to theology.
       To me, that’s a leap of faith... working without a net.  To him, a natural step to deep beliefs and firm convictions.
       Next came the long hours, unrelenting focus and years of studying. And while there were times when even Peter questioned his choice or where the next meal loomed, this career switch-hitter had the satisfaction of passing into the ministry with flying colours. 
       Flash forward to today where Peter’s reward is securely in place, overseeing a friendly church with a thankful community, not a communications monopoly with an ungrateful mandate.  He’s a happy man, at peace with himself and proud to have engineered a release from that one-way street to the status quo.

       Oh, one other development: Peter tells me he’s very pleased with his new boss and can call upon Him at will.

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