Running and Old People

My dog woke me up this morning to go running, and I did. Yes, pat me on the back. We went a bit further than yesterday but not quite as far as my 1.7 miles I'd say I'm up to about 1 mile now. I walked, jogged, and finished with a sprint. My knee is feeling OK, but I'm still mighty cautious with it. I think the best part of this exercise thing is that it makes me breathe.

But what I'm really writing about today is the need to complain. Actually, after today, I feel like I need to run for about an hour. I met with my CE chair this afternoon to plan Christian Education for the fall which, in a congregation of 5 kids is much more complicated than it needs to be. Anyway, she mentioned to me that one of my older members (who knows to come to me if she has a problem . . . we've been through this more than once) is upset because I told the session last winter (winter 2007) that I would be asking for a raise for 2009. Yes, I gave them a year to consider. She's upset because she believes, with the economy the way it is, that I should take a pay cut. So here's the situation: I took a pay cut two and a half years ago with the understanding from a few people that they would try to make up the budget deficit so I could recoup. what was cut the following year. Two years have passed and I haven't gotten even a cost of living increase. To make things more interesting, we've not had a budget deficit in two years. We've been able to come out in the black both years AND even make up the deficit from that very bad year. Fundraisers have helped with this, but the truth of the matter is . . . we're in good shape financially. Add to that a series of people joining the church and things are looking good. But she's upset and is starting rumors about my request for a raise before it's even gone through the session. Hear me out . . . it gets better. My student loans come due in January -- I have no more deferment options left. And they come due at $400/month. That's not a small sum. Add to that gas at $4/gallon (as opposed to $2 and change when I last got a raise) and I'm already working at a deficit. Am I doing my job? Yes. Sure, it's slow right now, but we've actually had quite a few in worship . . . I've made many hospital and home calls . . . I officiate at a memorial service on Sunday . . . and our income is pretty good for summer. I realize I am going to have to confront her on this issue . . .before it makes its way to who knows who?! So I feel as if I must run my heart out tomorrow morning just to re-teach myself to breathe . . . and maybe I'll pray for my enemies while I run. Novel idea. Grrr . . .