A very wise piece of advice goes: If you don’t want to annoy anyone, don’t talk about politics or religion. So, today, I’m going to avoid talking about politics.

For the last few years I’ve been training to become a minister in the United Church of Canada.

This past week I had my final interview. Many years of study and training came down to the result of a two-hour chat. After which I would either be: a) approved to do a job I’ve worked for, planned for, and know I’ll love, or b) cast into the world with no hope, no future and no obvious reason for existing. Frankly, I was hoping for the former. 

An interview like this is what I call a Big Moment. Sometimes, this kind of moment is marked by saying memorable words such as, “I do,” or “Oh my God, the test strip is blue. I told you to stop buying contraception products at the dollar store!” In any case, a Big Moment means your life is about to change forever.

To prepare for this Big Moment, I had a plan:

First, I prayed. I’ve had training in praying. I raised two teenagers.

Next, I checked out advice on interview techniques. These include tips such as,  “Go in knowing something about the CEO.” In my case, this would be God. Or, “Be prepared to ask questions.”

I also read not to take someone with you to the interview, “Always go alone.” This was a problem. If there’s one thing we’re taught in religious school, it’s that we’re never alone.

Finally, I took the precaution of making a list of all the things my training would qualify me to do, should I not pass. These included, “Sell pencils on street corner, offer self to aliens as human sample, and learn not to eat.” It’s good to know your options.

I’m happy to say I passed. I will be ordained in May.

So, is my future set? Of course not. Big Moments happen all the time. Life can turn on a dime. But there is a plan that will help you be prepared. Let go and enjoy the ride.