Some Breathing Room...
Due primarily to Grey Davis’ astute economic decisions, and an ever weakening economic outlook, teachers across California (and nationwide) are shaking in their boots with regards to job security. Last week, by unanimous decision, the Lynwood School Board decided the terms of next year’s budget. Included were two decisions that immediately effected my employment. First, the district instituted an across-the-board hiring freeze: no new employees effective immediately. Second, effective no later than the last day of this school year, all emergency credentialed teachers will not be re-hired. Since I am one of those teachers licensed with a mere emergency credential, I received a certified letter Saturday (that cost the district $4.42 to send) informing me that my employment would cease after the completion of this school year.
Needless to say, as a newly married man the news that I was basically out of work come June 15th was not exactly comforting. However, some of you may know that I was not intending to teach next year anyway—I was planning, by God’s grace, to begin law school in August. Nevertheless, I had, as yet, not heard back from any of the eight schools to which I had applied. As a result, the news of my soon-to-be unemployment greatly increased my anxiety about the decisions of those eight law schools. My thought was “I could all too easily be denied by all eight schools…then what?”
Well, God is a God of grace and mercy, and He does listen to the petitions of even His most unprofitable servants, as my life is a constant proof. Today, I received confirmation of my acceptance into Chapman Law School. This is a tremendous comfort for, though Chapman is not my first choice, my acceptance there at least insures I’ll have somewhere to attend-- even if the other seven schools reject me, I would make the most of my law education at Chapman.
Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!
Concerning the other seven schools, Kate and I may be waiting for another two months (possibly more) before we hear back on their decisions. Your prayers are welcomed and appreciated. ...and now to find a summer job.
Posted by jeremy stock at March 10, 2003 12:03 PMI'm sorry to hear about your soon-to-be lack of employment, Jer. At the same time, though, I am wonderfully overjoyed about your acceptance into Chapman. I'm sure that this will not be the last school from which you receive a positive reply.
God's grace is certainly with you and will continue to be with you as well. I know it.
Posted by: Toshikazu at March 10, 2003 01:29 PMJeremy:
This from Sunday was helpful as I face my own situations of uncertainty:
Troparion of St Constantine Tone 5
Grieving at the loss of thy young spouse,/ thou didst renounce the world, O Martyr Constantine,/ but seeing thy humility God called thee to leave thy solitude and serve Him as a priest./ Following thy example,/ we pray for grace to see that we must serve God as He wills/ and not as we desire,/ that we may be found worthy of His great mercy.
Kontakion of St Constantine Tone 4
Thou wast born to be King of Cornwall,/ O Martyr Constantine,/ yet who could have foreseen that thou wouldst become the first hieromartyr of Scotland./ As we sing thy praises, O Saint,/ we acknowledge the folly of preferring human plans to the will of our God.
Thank you both!
Posted by: jeremy at March 11, 2003 07:40 AMJer,
I had no idea about the job scenario, why didn't you tell me? Sorry to hear it, but maybe not as well, maybe God is moving you on. Also, congrats on your acceptance to Chapman, now you no longer have to stand in the shadow of that "other" law school both of us have shared some laughs over. Knowing you and the abundance of blessings that God has placed on your life, I know it won't be the only one.
Drop me a note, and also, some info. on how I can start my own website, i have been becoming interested in the idea lately. Lord bless. And remember, when you feel the anxiety of waiting to see what the future holds in all your current matters, the hope that lies within you.
Posted by: Marco at March 17, 2003 08:51 PM