Don't Compare it is not fare.

I have been to a few youth worker seminars lately and I often come away from those things thinking.... man the main speakers or break out session leaders have a great deal of cool things to say but they've been at their church for ever. They haven't been down my road...
I know it is harsh but I must admit that I haven't had the pleasure or curse (depending on how you look at it) of being at the same church forever. I would like to haev but God had a different plan than I.
I will be the first to admit, I have worked in 6 churches over the last 14 years. Each church I served in was a stepping stone for me personally, not so much as a youth pastor/director but as a person, husband and father. The journey from volunteer to part time paid with full time work, to full time to unemployed to servant support (volunteer) and again to full time minister. I have done it all and that has offered me a unique view point that most people don't have. I know what is it like to spend my free time doing ministry, to have 30 minutes to clean out my desk and find a new church for my family to attend and serve. I think God has given me a gift that should be shared.
I want to encourage others who have journey through the wilderness or desert of job locations. I know it seems like everyone else has it better than you, but I really think those of us who have experienced lay off, firing and the every so dreaded get out or we will throw your stuff out have more to share with the student or parent that is on rock bottom. You have been blessed not cursed.
I have been reading through the New Testament and find God using many people who have been on rock bottom.. The woman at the well, the lady that bleed for many years, the dad who's daughter was dieing, the captain of the gaurd who's servant was ill, and the disciple who's mother-in-law was deathly ill.
God turned those low points around to be big ministry victories and I wanted to encourage you to change your outlook from a negative to a positive and look how God is equipping you for opportunities that await you.
The road is narrow that we must travel even though many travel the wide road... keep the faith