10.30.2007

Uncertainty

A key aspect of quantum mechanics is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which basically states that you can’t measure the precise position and momentum of a given object at the same time (Werner Heisenberg, who discovered it in 1927, is pictured to the right).

In fact, the closer you get to determining the exact position of an object, the less accurately you can determine its momentum (and vice versa).

I mention this not because I am about to launch into a discourse on quantum mechanics, or because I am any sort of scientific expert (I am certainly not), but just to introduce the concept that uncertainty is an inherent part of our world and our lives (and because when I think of the word uncertainty, Heisenberg’s principle is the first thing that pops into my head).

We can do our best to try to make plans and to prepare for the future, but ultimately, we just don’t know how things are going to turn out.

Lately, I have been thinking about this quite a bit, as there has been some degree of uncertainty related to my employment.

As many of my readers know, I currently work as a Youth Minister at a church, and have been for over a year. Though there are certain aspects of my job that I enjoy less than others, I generally enjoy it, and for the most part, I’m pretty good at it, so the uncertainty I’m speaking of didn’t stem from any dissatisfaction on my part or from my employers. Instead, the uncertainty was related to my salary—put simply, I couldn’t afford to continue working earning what I had been.

The different options I had—looking for another job, going back to school, etc.—weren’t all that appealing to me, but I wasn’t sure how much more the church would be able to do for me, and thought that my life might be in for a big change in the near future.

Well, the good news is this: yesterday, I met with a couple of the elders, and the result is that, beginning in January, I will begin working in a somewhat expanded role (more hours, a few more responsibilities) for a significantly higher salary. It is certainly an answer to prayers.

I still have a lot of uncertainty regarding different aspects of my future, but at least this is one area I don’t have to worry about anymore.

14 comments:

Anonymous 10/30/07, 2:57 PM  

That is good news, Luke. Congrats.

Angela 10/30/07, 3:38 PM  

Excellent news, brother-in-law.

I hope this increase in salary is reflected in my Christmas present.

;)

Ashton Hope 10/30/07, 5:14 PM  

In response to your comment on my abortion blog; i dont see an unborn child as a human being, although it is alive. It is made up of cells, just like a common houseplant would be. Mothers who throw their babies in trash bins or try and flush them down toilets; that, i will agree, is murder.

Ashton Hope 10/30/07, 5:15 PM  

Oh and congratulations on your new salary, it sounds like you worked hard for it.

Luke Dockery 10/30/07, 5:18 PM  

Rachael,

Thanks.

Luke Dockery 10/30/07, 5:20 PM  

Angela,

Of course! I will be make sure to acquire extra coal for you this year!

Luke Dockery 10/30/07, 5:22 PM  

C-o-s Rex,

You’re certainly entitled to your opinion. In your blog, you mentioned that you don’t understand how people can view abortion as murder. My point was that, if you view an unborn child as a human, viewing abortion as murder isn’t far-fetched at all.

And, thanks.

Ashton Hope 10/30/07, 5:40 PM  

Your very welcome.
And im really not as hot-headed as a person as i come across. But you are as entitled to your opinion as i am my own, and i definately see where your coming from.

Jethro 10/31/07, 12:16 AM  

Luke

That sounds awesome. I hope it goes really well for you. I am also glad that when you think of uncertainty the first thing you think of is Hindenburg, or whatever that guy's name was.

Luke Dockery 10/31/07, 10:10 AM  

Whit,

Thanks.

I thought the Heisenberg connection would appeal to a semi-eccentric like yourself (and me, for that matter).

Sam Travaglini 10/31/07, 11:35 PM  

i was wondering where you were going with that after the first few paragraphs. i thought you were coming to join me on the dark side. haha. congrats on the job news as well.

Luke Dockery 11/1/07, 8:16 PM  

Sam,

I will leave the dark side to you. I hope I didn't misrepresent Heisenberg's principle too badly.

Paul Murphy 11/2/07, 6:07 PM  

At first I was like "I bet luke doesn't get paid less than I do" then I realized what was up. I think Moher is a good name if its a boy...

Luke Dockery 11/5/07, 10:59 AM  

Paul,

That is most certainly NOT what is up.

I am betting that when cost of living factors are taken into account, I am making less than you are.

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