Jan 20 2009
I Quit My Job
So Long
I sit at my desk tonight sipping a Mountain Dew from my Taco Bell Fourthmeal. Only 24 days remain until I no longer receive income as a computer programmer. Just last Friday, January 16, 2009, I quit my job. On February 13, 2009, I’ll work my final day.
And Goodbye
This weekend, I was finally able to see Slumdog Millionaire. What a movie! In the span of 2 hours, it eclipsed all other movies I’ve ever seen to be named “My Favorite Movie Ever.” I haven’t seen a film like this since Shawshank Redemption (now my 2nd favorite movie).
There’s a scene about halfway through (don’t worry, this is NOT much of a spoiler) where the main character, Jamal, is faced with a decision on the TV show “Who Wants To Be a Millionnaire?” Does he take the handsome $500,000 payout or try for more? The host, an Indian version of Regis Philbin, holds the check out to Jamal. He turns it down. Jamal wants to play for more. The host takes the check and rips it up, scattering it into the air, saying, “Dreams of so many. On the floor.”
The Dream Begins
I’ve been a computer programmer now for just over 5 years. I really fell into it. After graduating with a degree in finance and working at a church in Indiana as a youth intern for a year, I got a call out of the blue from a friend’s dad to interview for a programming position in Des Moines, Iowa. I got the job and have been programming ever since. But it hasn’t been easy. Two years into that gig, I had a complete and total meltdown – brought to my knees by a crippling depression that forced me to quit. I lived off savings for some 6 months, gained 60 pounds (I weighed 230 then), and ultimately moved away from the city because there were too many ghosts.
Nashville Bound
In late summer 2006, after talking with my twin brothers (who are 18 months younger than me), we all decided to move someplace together. After traveling the southeast, we ended up picking Nashville because we liked it best. We rented a house together (which we all still live in) and I again found myself programming. And have, again, found myself wasting away.
The Current Landscape
I’ve been run ragged by programming in Nashville. After a failed attempt at consulting on my own when I first moved here, I got a job with a regular company. But the demands of work I’m not particularly good at, coupled with the pressure for computer programmers to study all the latest technologies means I work at least 50 hours a week, often more, and too often in the middle of the night.
As I recalled the past couple months’ events this weekend, I realized that last week, on three consecutive evenings, I said three phrases out loud to myself (strange, I know).
On Tuesday, walking out to my car under a full moon, I blurted out, “I need room to breathe.” After feeling incredible pressure the last few months at work, I’ve felt very close to another breakdown. That night, I wrote about how negatively my job was affecting me. Such an exacting work schedule places strain in other areas of life, and I’ve felt it acutely.
Physical. Who has time to work out amidst all the busyness of work? In the summer, when it stays light late, it’s less difficult, but still hard when you work 50-60 hours per week. As someone who enjoys running, not being able to exercise because of work is junky. I’m not experiencing the extra energy boost running gives me because I’m not running.
Relational. I’ve lived here in Nashville for a little over 2 years and I barely know anybody! I’ve spent so much time cooped up in my house programming that you’d think I just moved to town.
Spiritual. This is the most important place I’ve suffered. I’m in a few small groups in my church on different mornings of the week. My job often requires me to wake up in the middle of the night to do things – which leaves me exhausted the next morning. So I’ve had to skip numerous groups. My time with Jesus in the morning has been marginalized to a paltry offering. I’ve sacrificed the health of my relationship with Jesus to a job – a job I don’t even like.
Talking Out Loud To Myself Continues
Well, on Wednesday night, I walked out of work and said out loud, “I’m not a computer programmer.” It just came out. I laughed right after I said it. This was a big thing for me to say. I know HOW to program computers, but I am not a computer programmer. I work with a couple guys who, I think, are computer programmers. They’re fantastic. I’m not! For so long, my identity has been tied up in being a computer programmer. But that’s not what I am!
Finally, on Thursday, I was driving to a friend’s after work and I felt a strong impression in my heart: “It’s time to go.” I knew immediately what that meant, but asked the Lord, “It’s time to go? You mean it’s time to leave work?” I felt a confirming feeling in my soul. “It’s time to go.” I was elated. Beyond elated. My heart was pounding. I got to my friend’s house and we started talking. After a while, he said, “What is going on with you, I’ve never seen you look so happy.” I paused and said, for the first time, “I’m quitting, Ken. I’m quitting my job.” He laughed and asked, “When?” I replied, “Tomorrow.”
Push and Pull
It hasn’t only been these negative things (which, by the way, I 100% believe the Lord has orchestrated) that have pushed me out the door. For those of you who have been reading my blog over the last 2 weeks, you’ve been privy to what I’m being pulled to – writing.
I Want To Be a Toys ‘R Us Kid
Remember that old song? “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R Us Kid…?” There’s a part of us that wants to be a kid forever. Every day as a kid seemed awesome. Wake up, have mom fix you breakfast, go into the play room, make a huge mess, scream a lot for no reason, punch your brothers just because you can, go to your room for punching your brothers, throw a tantrum because you got punished, talk to yourself while you sit in your room, making up stories about rhinoceroses named Morris. Awesome.
But something else happened when I was a kid. Repeatedly. My mom and dad, probably like yours, would tell me, “Andrew, when you grow up, find something you love to do and then figure out a way to get paid for it!” It’s funny how many of us never listen to the first part. We just find a way to get paid for stuff. And it’s understandable. Like the Nationwide commercials say, “Life comes at you fast.” But guess what? I’ve found what I love. I’ve known for years and never did anything about it – until two weeks ago. Forget the toys! I want to be a writer when I grow up!
Thank You
For those who have read my stuff over the years, thank you! For all of you who have told me I need to write a book over the years, thank you! I found an old Blogspot blog of mine from 4 years ago tonight. It was incredible to read. For all of those who have encouraged me in so many ways over the years, thank you! You’ve convinced me that writing IS the gift I’ve been given by the Lord. I’m not a computer programmer! I’m a writer! How do I know? Because of how I feel when I write!
I’m Going to Explode
I wish I could explain what I feel like when I write. My entire body comes alive. As I type this, my heart feels like it’s going to explode. When describing that type of happiness, I’ve heard one of my friends say, “My heart is so happy, I think it’s going to explode with sprinkles.” Not only is that funny, it’s how I literally feel. I have to get up and walk around often when I think and write because my mind is so excited that physical motion is the way I express the feelings. Sometimes, like tonight, I want to yell because I’m so excited about what I’m thinking.
The New Dream
Slumdog Millionaire. Dreams of so many. On the floor. I’ve ripped up my great paying, great benefits, lots-of-job-security position as a computer programmer. There were a few times this weekend when I said to myself, “Good grief! What have I done?” But I’m convinced in my heart of hearts I have responded to the Lord in faith!
The verse I continue to hear in my heart is this: “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue” (Proverbs 16:1). I have made my plans. And now the LORD will give a reply. Will I succeed or fail? I can only believe He will see me through everything! Why? Because my rough draft mission is to communicate the truths of Christ in love to the 21st century so all of us will walk in love with Him and others for life. His main goal? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). I’m ready to do His work!
The Lark Ascending
In my opinion, one of the best Christian albums of the last decade is David Crowder Band’s “A Collision” from 2005. On the final track of the album, The Lark Ascending, he sings this:
And I’m trying to make you sing
From inside where you believe
Like it’s something that you need
Like it means everythingAnd I’m trying to make you feel that
This is for real, that life is happening
That it means everything
I’m just trying to make you sing
Brothers and sisters, I am not so talented musically, so I’m not trying to make you sing. But I’m trying to make you think. That’s what writers do. That’s how I want to spend the rest of my life.
Master’s Business
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of three men who were given money by their master. Two of the men invest their money and make a return. When the master returns, they’re rewarded for their diligence. But the third man hid his talent in the ground and was punished for his laziness.
I feel like I’ve been the lazy servant all this time – that I’ve buried my talent in the ground – keeping a job I don’t like because it makes me feel safe and comfortable and secure and important.
But God has continued to sit in the seat across from me as I’ve been a programmer, asking me repeatedly, “Is that your final answer?” No, Lord, it isn’t! I’ve declared to Him and to everyone reading that it is NOT my final answer. I believe He has made me to write.
I Hope
Shawshank Redemption. One line in the movie will always hold sway in my heart. I bet yours also. “Get busy living or get busy dying.” Having spent a lifetime in prison, Morgan Freeman’s character, Red, is finally released in order to go live life with his friend Andy Dufresne – who had escaped from the jail months earlier. After openly rejecting the idea of hope while in prison, the movie concludes with Red on a bus to see Andy. Though the outcomes he desires are different than mine, the overall desire remains the same.
I want this to work. I’ve made a plan for it to work. Now, things rest in the hands and reply of the Lord. I trust Him with what small, wavering faith I have, comforted in knowing He sees my heart and knows every desire and motive.
I find I’m so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it’s the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.
Your friend,
andy
Go Andy!!!
Good for you… dropping everything and following where God is leading (especially if you’ve wavered from the path a bit) is HARD & it takes some serious GUTS… some people just don’t understand & they may even say hurtful things, but good for you… I am SO GLAD to see that you are following what God has set out for you
– I will definitely be praying that everything goes smoothly & that God will bless your socks off because of your desire to follow His plan and not your own.
I will be adding you to my blogroll… I have only been reading for about a week, but it seems I came just in time
I have truly enjoyed reading, and have already directed several others to the “Why Guys Aren’t Asking You Out” series, woo!!!
I’m teaching overseas right now (people definitely didn’t understand my desire to do this & said some very hurtful things about it) and I will be headed back stateside next year to get a masters in Special Education… I have no doubt in my mind that it is what I am supposed to do, and I thought I was supposed to do it right at home in Ohio… until a few weeks ago when I had a “oh my gosh what the heck am I doing with my life” freakout day & applied to Vanderbilt on a whim as a result… and ever since then Nashville is the city to talk about apparently… the thought of moving to Nashville on my own (a brand new place for me) makes me much more nervous than the thought of moving to Africa did… strange, huh?! Now if only they accept me…
apparently I wanted to write a book here
– sorry about that… have a blessed day!!!
super encouraging man. Have you heard of a guy from DC named Mark Batterson? He’s a pastor and a writer and I believe you would love and would be encouraged by his writing. http://www.markbatterson.com. I cant wait to read more of your writing. Love you man, I look forward to seeing what God will do in your life. Take care, God bless.
Andy, I’m so glad I found your blog. It’s really been very encouraging and I’ve directed some of my girl friends over to it. Keep up the good work and I look forward to following more of your journey.
P.S. I hope you’re not skimping out of my promised prize. I’m excited to listen to that CD.
Anything I can do to help, just say.
We have a little club of freelancers that hang pretty much daily at Frothy Monkey- sounds like you need to join.
“Get busy living or get busy dying.”
You lucky dog.
Andy,
I only recently discovered your blog, but I dig your writing, man. MAD props to you for quitting your job and pursuing what you love. What courage!
My wife and I have a blog at which I posted about your site and added you to our blogroll. We don’t get a great deal of traffic, but I figured I’d offer whatever help I could!
God bless!
- Drew
Amanda, did you send me your address?? If you did, it must have been caught by the Junk Filter. I’m ready to send TODAY! HOORAY FOR GREAT MUSIC!!!!!
Thanks a lot, Drew! Every little bit helps!!
For sure, Annie!! Once I’m on my own, I’ll be over on 12th!! We will put chili peppers in people’s coffee when they aren’t looking. They’ll freak out, then we’ll tell them they’re on Candid Camera. One of us can hold a camera cell phone. We’ll post it on YouTube. It’ll be like a side gig. We’ll buy them a new coffee when we’re done pranking them. My code name is Randy.
This is awesome. I’m so happy for you.
Consider yourself Facebook noted
I’ve really enjoyed your writing (I was just talking about your blog the other day with a friend and saying just that, haha!) and wish you the very best. About 5 years ago I gave up a great paying, lots of benefits, super secure job to do what I was born to do…it was scary and sometimes it still is scary, but there is nothing I would rather be doing. I’ll be praying for you my blogger. 
Andy,
So one of my roommates and i were sitting around the sunset house the other day reading your blog’s new short series that has caught my attention. Now for the past week or so I have been finding myself checking your facebook page quite frequently bc i have enjoyed reading your posts so much. It is evident you have a gift with words and storytelling
. I am happy for you that you chose to take care of yourself before starting to feel worse. Best of luck in your new ventures and i will pass word along about your blog. Don’t be a stranger.
Yep. Writing is something you should be doing more of. I AFFIRM THIS DECISION.
Congratulations, friend – let’s hang out soon.
You’re awesome!
I was directed to your site by AnnieBlogs for the “Why Guys Aren’t Asking You Out” series. And you immediately went on my blogroll. I’m telling you, God has gifted you beyond belief and I’m so excited to here that you are following his will.
This post spoke to my heart because I have been going through a similar situation. I work in athletics and therefore, work 24/7. Almost. I moved to Birmingham, Ala., almost three years ago for this job and you would think that I would have a plethora of friends but I have the people I work with that I see all the time and various acquaintances at work.
Your mention of the Parable of the Talents struck my heart like it has never been struck before. Because I too an that lazy talent-burying servant.
I don’t know what God has in store for me in the near future but I know that it is in the form of change. And I have submitted myself to obey whatever he tells me to do because I have faith in his supplication.
Thank you for sharing you gift with the world.
You don’t know me but a friend of mine forwarded me your blog and I have really enjoyed reading your series Why Guys aren’t asking You Out! I think it is ironic that I was just telling her that you could write a book and probably make millions and then today I read that you quit your job to write! Sounds like you are on the right track! I will definitely be forwarding your site to my friends!
Mandy
I’m so excited for you! You truly have a gift for writing and I LOVE reading your blog. I will definitely be praying for you as the Lord leads you in this incredibly awesome journey. Let me know if I can do anything besides facebooking, tweeting, etc!.
Stumbled across. Astounding, inspiring. Your name is now scrawled across the top of my prayer list. I can’t wait to watch God and you succeed!
Do it rock-a-fella. Enjoyed the read and your epiphany.
Hey man, it’s been long since we’ve last seen each other or talked. I just want to thank you for this Blog, I got your invite from Facebook and thought “Oh hey, Andy… haven’t talked to him for a while, let’s see what he’s up to.” And I am so thankful I did. Congratulations on taking that leap of faith bro. You should know you inspire me man, ever since the day I met you at C-Stone in Ames, IA I was impressed and humbled by your heart for the Lord. Keep doing what you’re doing bro, God will reward you for your acts of faith!
On another note, when I read how you would like to write a screen play, a thought ran through my head. It’s a long shot but I thought I’d just mention it to you since I thought of it. I work with a non-profit group called AWAKEN Ministries. They are a drama group currently made entirely of volunteers that tour around the Midwest (soon to be further branching out). They put on a “passion play” style performance in mime, to current christian and secular music. It’s one of the most authentic experiences I’ve ever encountered from dramatic interpretations of the Gospel. http://www.awakenonline.org for more info.
My small thought was this: After this year, Awaken will be losing their playwriter/director and is looking for someone with fresh ideas and new ways to communicate the Gospel and Christs love through drama. If you have no interest, no problem. I realize a drama script is not a screenplay, but I thought I’d just throw it out there. If you want to chat more about it email me at derk.nav@gmail and I’d love to catch up and give you more info.
Either way man, you have a serious gift and a way of writing that feels natural to read. Great work man, and you better believe I’ll be coming back for more!
-Derek
Sweet! God’s given you a passion and you’ve been fortunate enough find it, grab it, and live it. Let me know what else I can do to help, and if you’re ever in the Council Bluffs / Omaha area be sure to look me up.
Andy,
Congrats man,
Praise God.
I’m excited for this new “chapter” in your life……see what I did there….
GO FOR IT DUDE
Travis Pun Munn! You always were clever!!! Miami High Five! (slap)
i don’t know you. but i think we have mutual friends. someone told me about your “why guys aren’t asking you out” series so i’ve been reading since you started writing that…
anyway…
i love this post. especially the part about how a bad job effects your whole life. i am living that experience. and i get the feeling that people don’t really “get” what i’m saying…that i’m not just whining about work, or being negative…that it’s MESSING with me. so, yeah. i totally relate to that, and i’m glad to know you found a way out! a good way out. haha.
i’ll keep reading your blog! i think if you have people relating to things you write, that means you’re a good writer. i don’t even know you, so that’s my unbiased opinion.
Hey Andy,
I just discovered your blog today and you made me laugh (why guys aren’t asking you out) and cry (today’s blog). That’s all I’ve read so far, but you seem like an excellent writer. The WGAAYO series is rather insightful. Sorry we good girls aren’t more approachable, but then, that’s why you’re men. =)
Anyway, good look luck with your endeavors. I just read Wide Awake by Erwin McManus (I go to Mosaic & we actually went through it as a church, but I just finished it. I misplaced my book for a couple of months) and it’s all about living the life God envisioned for you. God instilled passions and dreams in each of us that will help further His kingdom if we would dare to dream with Him. And after reading your blog today, I know God’s getting ready to move me out of the position I’m currently in (don’t love my job that I’ve had the last 5 years either). It’s exciting and nerveracking. I’m thankful for God’s peace, knowing He is in control & He is always with me.
“Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
andy, i’ve been directed to your site by annie p and annie d. just wanted to say i’ve enjoyed reading your blog, and i’m encouraged about this journey God is taking you on. there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’re exactly where He wants you.
and yay for donating xtra $$ to mocha club!
Good for you. A lot of people are content to be discontent with their current lives/jobs, but I’m glad you’ve decided to follow your passion. We’ve only met a handful of times at most, but I’d be willing to serve on a “Board” of yours (seemingly I’m best suited for the Financial Board, but they all sound pretty solid). Holler.
Why don’t you write a christian fiction novel? That’s a really big market. Grab some off the shelf and read them, study them, learn the genre, then go for it! NanoWriMo is in November, if you get an outline together by then you can bang out 50,000 words with other christian and secular novelists.
A collection of well-written christian short stories would sell, too. Consider writing a collection with a christmas theme. Publishers are always looking for the poignant holiday books. You can do this, it just takes time. Start educating yourself on the industry and practice of writing. You’ll be fine!
Andy,
Excellent writing. I absolutely wish you the best. I know God has great plans for you. Be patient and ever trusting.
Jim
My friend gave me a card that says, “We must absolutely do what we love, or we run the risk of doing nothing at all.”
This was a courageous, awesome move!
Andy,
I totally understand how you feel. I myself work 50 – 60 hours a week. I chose a career in pharmaceutical sales and unfortunately have no boundaries between office and home because my home is my office. I am so strung out that I am ready to pull my hair out. My husband and I moved to Nashville in 2005 and barely know anyone either, especially guys. If you ever want to hang out, let me know. We’re actaully going out this weekend down on Broadway if you’re interested.
Congrats on your freedom!
Holy crap Andy… I haven’t heard of you in ages and reading your blogs are like opening an old email from you back in the old days. Now I wished I would have kept them!!! You are so talented. And that brain still does not stop rollin…. I hope you making sure you are copywrited and what not – cause you got a GIFT. How cool to see the journey you’ve made in, oh, 7+ years.
God Bless your journey… I’ll be forwarding your info to friends!
We’ll be praying for the doors to keep opening.
Andy, I appreciate your openness, honesty, and bravery! How often people trade in the amazing opportunities and gifts God has given them to settle for a “safer” life. In the words of C.S. Lewis:
“Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.
We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
God bless- I’ll be following your blog, passing it along, and praying for you. And you do know people in Nashville- I’m one of them!
Congrats! As someone who has studied some the nuances behind driving traffic to blogs I’d suggest 1) Adding technorati and a blogroll 2) Reading other blogs and commenting as much as possible. You’ve got great content and will definitely retain a big audience; just a matter of driving them over to the site. Can’t wait to see (err read) you as you continue to grow as a writer!
Blogroll… check. Facebook… check. Twitter… check. Keeping you fed… about to be checked.
Keep the dream.
I appreciate hearing the turmoil you’ve experienced and the faith that you had to seek God’s plan and find where the Lord is speaking to you. I am in many ways in a similar place in my life right now and am struggling to have the same faith. I’m so glad to hear that you will be pursuing your passions. Hope to see ya soon man! – David Heyburn
I want you to know that I can relate to just about every single word you said. As a computer programmer, and as someone who made a new-year’s resolution to begin writing a book this year — something I’ve also wanted to do for a long time — I feel your pain and your joy.
You might be interested to know of two programs I’ve found. They are both completely free (you can donate if you feel obliged). One is for writing books, and the other for screenplays. I have them both and have done little more than dabble in them. That being said, they are free, so probably worth your time to check them out.
For writing books, try this out:
http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5_Download.html
and for screen-plays:
http://celtx.com/download.html
Good luck to you! Keep us posted!!!
i am a big believer in leaving jobs that wither the soul away to pursue one’s passion.
i had goosebumps reading about the excitement you experience when you write. that’s what a calling should feel like, so much love, purpose, excitement and joy that your buttons might just burst.
you are loaded with talent when it comes to writing, and i can’t wait to see the places you’ll go with this gift you have.
more power to ya!
What an inspirational story. I truly believe that doing work that is wrong for you can cause a lifetime of unhappiness. I’m go glad you were able to listen to your intuition and follow through with it. I feel this same type of pull each day between my passion for writing and entrepreneur ship and my day job. Your story makes me feel much better! I can’t wait for my “aha moment” of clarity. Thanks for sharing!
I’d love to have you share your story on my blog Career Girls too! I started it because so many of us twentysomethings are feeling exactly the way you did with programming!
Hey Andy – I heard about your blog from a friend and love your writing! It sounds as if you are right where you should be! I’m definitely adding you to the blogroll today! Good luck!
I saw this on Kevin’s FB which ironically I don’t even “know” him, but I had a name that is familiar to many and meet people that way. I also found a surprise at the end in YOUR name! My brother’s name is Andy, and he is dealing with depression in his own way these days.
I enjoy your writing and am glad you found your calling in life. I am a product of a computer programmer growing up. He owned his own business=never home. We went from him being an accountant in Joplin Mo to seeing him on weekends as he traveled back home after working the week in OKC to moving here and life was…bad. He has since gifen up the business and works as an ITT director, but finally has somewhat normal hours (now that us kids are all long gone) I’m a bit biased but I could definitely do without having a programmer in the family.
I’ve loved this series and love your writing style. Way to take that leap of faith! I’ve linked to you on my little blog.
How great- let me be the 249830984th person to say way to go!
I am still trying to grasp that you did indeed make a claim that there is a movie out there better than Shawshank Redemption. I’m completely and totally intrigued….. the last scene at the end with that quote and the music….. I may go watch it right now.
My small group and I were just talking about the choice we have to live outside the box, ignore the 9-5 routine, and fully embrace God’s desires for us. It reminds me of when my friend Chris said these wise words:
It is astounding to see the faithfulness of God that comes when we follow Him with RECKLESS obedience.
This is going to be great.
Hey Andy! I was so surprised to see this update that you quit since it was only a couple weeks ago at Missy’s party that you were going to stick it out till May. BUT – it sounds like this is exactly what you needed to do so good for you for taking the leap of faith and doing what you felt led to do. You are a super engaging writer and have tons of potential to make it a full time career. Since I promote books for a living, just let me know if you ever want any new promotional ideas.
Blogging and Twittering are definitely good ways to start establishing and strong following. Op-Ed pieces are also a great way to get your foot in the door.
This sounds like such an exciting life change – I’ll be praying for you!
Jennifer
God honors risk! Andy, you were made to write. looking forward to the journey! Hope to see you in the desert soon. (watch out for the jumping cholla)
BB
Andy,
You actually are a good programmer, but I’ve seen your source code and never once been inspired. (man, that was brutal wasn’t it!!)
Your writings on the other hand are inspiring, challenging, engaging, honest, instructive, and often, hilarious. Good writing deserves a broad audience. Leave the coding to Scott Gu… he was born for it.
“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” — Missionary William Carey
Praying for you bro…
Trent
It was nice meeting you the other day at Fido with Allie Dearest and Britt! I’ll let people I know that read my blog (probably very few, but oh well) that yours is where it’s at for more interesting stuff!
Congratulations on making a great life decision like this. Normally I would say quitting a job without another lined up is risky, but you sound like you have this prayed out and planned out, with lots of people supporting you. So I’m confident it will work out really well because it seems like you are keeping God in the middle of your life. Have fun with it – and God bless!
If you follow what God has put on your heart, you will surely be challenged. In those times, rest on the Lord’s strength not your own. You have a gift so share it. When you do what you were meant to do, you will be fulfilled. You are lucky to have found that in your life.
Wow! Andy that was great. I definitely get where you are coming from. My favorite part was when you said that you were comfortable at your job, but uncomfortable in other areas of your life. That’s exactly how I feel. I look forward to hearing more about your writing and the things that you are learning from the Lord. Thanks for listening and giving some godly advice last night. I really need to hear some of ther things you had to say. See you soon! Take care.
Mel
“For all of those who have encouraged me in so many ways over the years, thank you! You’ve convinced me that writing IS the gift I’ve been given by the Lord. I’m not a computer programmer! I’m a writer! How do I know? Because of how I feel when I write!
I’m Going to Explode
I wish I could explain what I feel like when I write. My entire body comes alive. As I type this, my heart feels like it’s going to explode. When describing that type of happiness, I’ve heard one of my friends say, “My heart is so happy, I think it’s going to explode with sprinkles.” Not only is that funny, it’s how I literally feel. I have to get up and walk around often when I think and write because my mind is so excited that physical motion is the way I express the feelings. Sometimes, like tonight, I want to yell because I’m so excited about what I’m thinking. Now how do I get paid?”
I am so glad that I just read that! I have been trying to “sort my life out lately” and every time I have a good feeling about my future, it’s when I am thinking about pursuing writing. I keep reconsidering all my options, because I do wonder how I’m going to get paid, if my “talents” are marketable….but reading about your leap of faith has been encouraging! You are an excellent writer and I’m glad your blog was passed on to me. I’ll pray that the Lord continues to open your eyes to the stories that are all around you, so you can keep doing what you do.
Hey Andy, I enjoyed reading about your new venture. I used to be a CPA (ugh!) and now I’m a writer/editor. Funny thing is, going all the way back to high school, I had thoughts of pursuing a journalism degree and then trying to become a sports writer. Was kind of discouraged from doing that. Today, I don’t think I’d necessarily want to be a sports writer, but I KNOW that I never wanted to be a CPA.
I think that eventually the pain of continuing to do something that makes you miserable outweighs the fear of losing security. And I do hang onto the belief that “the glory of God is man fully alive,” and that “the place God calls (us) to is the place where (our) deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Why go through life half-dead?
Judging from what I’ve read so far on your blog, you may enjoy Christian authors like Geoffrey Wood and Michael Snyder—just to name a couple of authors in my queue. (Really just wanted to write the “queue.” There, I did it again!)
Godspeed!
As a former co-worker I can relate in some ways with what you are going through. When you take a colorful songbird and put a cover on them (or stick them in a cubicle) they lose the desire to sing. You are a talented writer and a gift from God to all who have the privilege to meet you. I hope this new endeavor will help you to rediscover who Andy is and that through you, God’s work will not only be done but will be done in such a way that it will make a difference in many people’s lives. I wish you the very best and I hope you are blessed beyond anything you can dream or possibly imagine Andy Merrick!
Your brother in Christ,
Trevis
Andy–
Just found your blog through Stoltzfus’ blog. I’m DYING. Thank you for answering the “who let the dogs out” question. I’ve been dying to know slash find someone to blame. Can you also answer “where’s the scatman?” thank you.
I also quit my job to pursue writing (Lord willing)…check out my blog, Bob Loblaw’s Job Blog (http://unemploymentality.wordpress.com) and I plan on checking back in frequently to see what you’re up to.
God bless,
Lyndsay/Bob
hey andy! i cam across your blog today because…well, i was searching mochaclub blogs and somehow ended up here. i will be keeping up to see how the writing is going. good luck!
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon and be gracious unto you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Glory to God!
The glory of God is man fully alive.
Iraneus.
Andy–
I too (along with my sister Lyndsay) have been pondering just who let those dogs out and can sleep easy now knowing the answer (although I think Robert Goulet/Will Ferrell attempted to answer who let those crazy mutts out… your answer is definitive as well as reassuring.)
She forwarded me to your site and I have to admit, I certainly have laughed out loud at the handful of posts I’ve read so far (LOL-ROFL-PRBM: I hate internet acronyms but I dare you to recognize the last one).
But besides all the laughs, you certainly have a distinct voice and an even more distinct passion for the Lord and to bring honor and glory to Him (I felt the urge to write “kudos!” here, but I’ll go ahead and resist).
I’ll definitely be checking back and forwarding this on to friends as well.
Best,
emma.
I’ve been a programmer for over 10 years and lost my job in September, couple months later got another job but came to the realization that I don’t like my job any more, the passion is gone and it just seems wrong. I have decided to make a career change and it feels great! I was googling “quit it programming” and came along this blog. I felt like it was one of many signs that I was doing the right thing, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story and I will continue to check your blog out to see how your journey progresses and I wish you good luck, thanks again!
God bless,
Clay
Andy,
WOW….I had no idea you left your job!!!!!!!! You GO, my friend….if God is leading you to write I KNOW you will be blessed! You will be missed around here, but God will do GREAT things through you just keep following HIM!
I WILL be praying for you and keeping up with you through your blogs!
Be God’s!
Debbie
Randomly stumbled upon your page and was SO INSPIRED. I’d write more, but I’m tired. Can’t wait to come back and read more.
God bless. He always does.
ANDY!
you’ve been blogrolled. congrats =)
and, i’m sharing your story with my mom. she is really worried about me in the months ahead (finishing school, starting my life in ministry, being able to make enough money to survive). hearing your story i think will ease her heart a little…God has already eased mine.
Jamie
Wow…truly inspiring my new friend. I loved our conversations this past weekend and now feel like I have the more complete story. Thanks for sharing your heart and life, your convictions and God’s truth.
It is such a rare thing for a person to risk all…to take a leap of faith…to trust fully and be able to make mistakes along the way. I’m currently learning this right now and am mustering up the courage to pursue my dreams of writing.
God does give us unique gifts, talents and abilities to use for his glory. And when we stifle them or don’t cultivate them we are forsaking something beautiful and being disobedient…kinda harsh, but true.
Thanks for being an inspiration. I’ll add you to my blog..www.ardentadventurer.blogspot.com. Looking forward to reading more about your journey!
~Michelle
Andy,
You are VERY gifted musically. Boraxo, the water balloon song…. I’m still waiting on the album you promised (Mooky Stanks). Good luck on your writing.
Steve
I was hunting for the proverb “Man plans, God laughs” and found your site. A.MAZ.ING! It will be fun someday to buy your books and say “I found his work in January 2010, and knew he would lead others with his writing.”