Esther and I are enjoying our spring here on Capitol Hill, though it has been a longer transition season than we expected, which has been very hard. Filling my time these days are: walking dogs, tutoring students, doing a little website work for 9marks, hanging out with CHBC people, reading The Lord of the Rings, catching up on some TV shows with Esther (mainly House, our current favorite), going to the gym a lot with Esther, researching and writing an article on Christ’s resurrection, designing a card game based on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and applying for jobs. We should know more on the job front in the next few weeks – thanks for your continued prayers.
I thought that it would be devastating not to have a pastoral job after my internship ended, but in many ways this has been one of the most joyful seasons Esther and I have had thus far in our marriage. We love living on Capitol Hill (its especially beautiful here in the spring), and we are grateful for continued learning time at a thriving church. I’ve also learned a lot from working a humbling and physically exhausting job (walking dogs). I’m in the best shape of my life – I am either on my bike or walking a dog from roughly 11-4, and then Esther and I usually work out at the gym or go on a walk when she gets home at 5. I didn’t think my body could adjust to that, but it has. I eat about 5 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones, and have so much more energy than I used to. Life is simpler these days, and that has allowed us to learn and grow in new ways. We’ve also felt the sufficiency of Christ in new ways through this situation. But we are excited as we look into the future and ready to move on. Thanks for your continued prayers – Lord willing, I will have an update in a few weeks.
11 Responses
Gav,
Can you give your thoughts / assessment of Owen’s commentary on Hebrews? I believe I saw that you purchased it a little while ago. Is it worth having? Too dense? What do you think?
Penny,
its definitely worth having, if you can afford it. Its 7 volumes, so it is a bit expensive. I don’t think its too dense, though. Some of the early theological essays (first two volumes) are fairly technical and a bit dated, but the actual commentary itself (volumes 3-7) is very clear and easy to follow. It reads somewhat like a modern evangelical commentary. I actually like it more than most modern commentaries because its free from higher-critical questions and just goes straight to the meaning of the text, and Owen is great at application. If you are preaching through Hebrews or something, its a great resource. But I would definitely start with a modern commentary first (like Peter T. O’Brien’s new one), because Owen’s is so lengthy. Hope thats helpful.
Gavin,
That’s a great run down. I’m planning on getting O’Brien’s new one but wondered the benefit of Owen’s. Thanks for the thoughts.
Thanks for the update Gavin! I really admire you for doing what you have to do, and earning money doing whatever job is available. I know it was hard for me to go from my masters level counseling job in Chicago to doing temp work in dacycare centers in Scotland. But I think it’s good to be humble enough to do jobs beneath our educational level, and of course, the income helps—it wasn’t long before I found something more suitable in Scotland, and I’m sure that will be true for youwhen the timing is right.
Thanks Erin! That’s great you were able to find good work in Scotland – I am hoping Esther can find a good job over there, if we ever move out there.
That’s a fun thought! I’m sure Esther would have no problem–tons of social work services over there. We would have to come visit!
That would be so fun!!!
Gavin,
Bring some of that energy to St. Louis in a couple weeks for the JEHU Tournament…
I miss your fellowship.
Ah the JEHU tourament!! I will be sad to miss that man. Play well for me.
i love this update. Sounds like you are in a great place. It sounds wonderful being able to work on different things, stay healthy, read and spend time with your wife. Of course we continue to pray for you guys on the job front! But we are definitely glad that you are nice and close in DC for now. Can't wait to hang out soon!
Thanks Lindsey! We're so glad we are near you guys as well.