In the next few weeks it seems that things will slowly begin to go back to “normal”. Many have already commented that the quarantine has been difficult, tedious, challenging, but also refreshing in some way. I cannot comment about your life, but I can about mine. As many of you already know, I have been driving for Uber and Lyft, ride-sharing companies, for about a year and a half. The main benefit of this has been financial in nature to help support my ongoing education. The secondary benefit has been the opportunity to meet people on a one-on-one way, who otherwise I would not have a chance to meet. This is afforded me the situation of talking plainly about my “full-time” job which has led to good conversation and evangelism. But, even after driving for only three days a week, the routine began to become tiring and sometimes dreadful. Not everyone is nice when I offer them a ride through the app, and sometimes (at least once a day) someone would be inconsiderate or even hostile towards me. While I was unable to drive during this time I actually was thankful for the forced break it gave me from the situation.
As things are slowly progressing towards a more standard mode of living, I do not want to just get stuck in the same routine that was beginning to wear me down to the point of burnout. I want to remember the blessing of the break, remembering to be thankful for the opportunity to earn extra income, drive around beautiful Charleston, and meet people for the sake of the Gospel. But I do not want to just go back to “normal” life. For me, balancing my family, my classes, preaching full-time, driving three days a week, and pushing myself to include some kind of physical exercise throughout the week was unsustainable long-term.
I look forward to only having three more classes in the Fall 2020 Semester which will complete my B.A. in Biblical Studies, and then taking an break from ongoing education for a little while. This will afford me more time and more mental energy to focus on the other parts of my life that are important to me. I write this article for no other purpose than to speak from my situation to you, my beloved family in Christ. I am thankful for each one of you for encouraging me, loving me, and allowing me the blessing to minister alongside of you. I hope you have found some moments of refreshment from this social situation, but that you will also not forget them in the time ahead of us.