Tag Archives: being blunt

Don’t Quit Your Day Job

Unfortunately,  no one knows for sure who first coined the phrase, “don’t quit your day job.”   However, we do know how to interpret this figure of speech.  If you are mediocre at best with a favorite hobby, this term is used to sarcastically warn friends or foes to stick with their current occupation.  Although, if you work nights, hobbies become your day job as individuals attempt to maintain balance in life.

When family members aren’t honest, people will either be crushed, devastated or humiliated.  If you don’t believe me, just watch American Idol, America’s Got Talent or the Voice.  Perhaps, some know they suck, but are simply trying to obtain 15 seconds of fame by making it on television or should I say shame?  Either way you put it, only the most skilled can risk quitting their day job if they truly long to follow their dreams.

As for my current situation, I have the best of both worlds, working at night and pursuing my goal of publishing a book/seeing one of my movies on the big screen.  Nonetheless, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon since  perfecting my projects is years away.  In the meantime, I am striving to fulfill Ephesians 5:15-16, seizing the hours I have on earth to make my mark.  Therefore, don’t quit your day job until the Lord provides a door for you to walk through.

by Jay Mankus

 

Investing in Your Future

Five months ago, I was aimless wondering in a spiritual wilderness, not sure what my future held.  In this emotional state, I began to seek counsel from a higher authority, placing my future in God’s hands.  What I discovered during this journey may motivate others to begin a similar endeavor.

While listening to a sermon back in February, my pastor challenged his flock to read one Psalm a day, a 150 day challenge.  Since what I had been doing wasn’t working, I gave this a try, hoping my situation might change.  Initially, nothing happened so I shifted my attention to the words I was praying.  Gradually, through studying the Psalms of David, an appreciation for his honesty, being blunt with God, redirected my prayer life.  By the middle of March, God was moving internally, healing my heart and externally with a vision for the future.

Yet, my heart was troubled, uncertain if the position I had accepted was a good fit.  Thus, I began the process of thin slicing, a psychological term that moves an individual to make a quick decision based upon the initial feelings within their heart.  While risky, I quit recognizing this career path did not fit the direction I wanted to pursue.  Despite a few set backs in May, the Holy Spirit led me back on track in June, toward a future with an upside, Romans 12:2.  If it were not for the biblical principles I encountered within the book of Psalms, I would probably still be unemployed.  Therefore, if you are seeking progress in life, invest your time practicing the prayers of David.  In the end, you will find a bright future, 1 John 5:13.

by Jay Mankus