Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Over the last 24 hours a few people who know me but really dont understand what exactly I do commented along the lines of “Get a real job.” At first I wanted to explode and just tell them what I thought but for some reason patience and self control overruled my impulse to go nuclear on them. I guess the Fruit of the Spirit is taking hold=)

So what do I do that allows me to do crossfit when I please, run on the beach when the sun is shinning and basically live a life that others think is lazy? Currently I coordinate the sober/spiritual lives of 15 recovering drug addicts/alcoholics + lead groups at a rehab + serve at a recovery based church + speak on the dangers of drugs/alcohol. For those that work a 9-5 or 40 hour week…wanna trade?

While I have a flexible schedule, my work day basically never ends. I am on call 24/7. There are nights that I’ll get woken up @ 3am because one of the guys wants to use drugs. I’ve dealt with suicidal drunks that threaten to jump off the balcony. Sober sitting someone kicking heroin is part of my life. Doing 28 intensive discipleship training with guys with zero sober days has been done numerous times in the last 12 months. I am not complaining, I really love what I do. However when people open their mouth that I dont “work”, I seriously want to kick them in the head.

The therapist at the treatment center along with a respected radio host who know the detail of what I do remind me “The reason people dont think you work is because there is no way they could handle what you do.” One even went so far to say “You have the heart of a pastor, your value is immeasurable. Dont ever stop doing what you do. Those new in recovery need people like you to bridge the gap between AA and church.”

Some people are doctors, lawyers, engineers, chefs, nurses, construction workers, etc. My job…I cant really put it into words. I fill the role of pastor, counselor, personal trainer, cook, father/brother figure and life coach for a community of hurting, dying, and hopeless souls. It is what I have been called to do. While it may never provide the money to buy a million dollar house here on earth….it is preparing a priceless home in heaven.