Move, change, do something.

 I took action, Russell, and you can, too. Move, change, do something. If it’s a mistake, do something else. – Frasier

I’m baaaaack…

It sure has been a while!  Life tends to get in the way of our plans sometimes – as is the case with me.  I had several thoughts and ideas for columns, but in mid-January, I got the dreaded COVID.  While it certainly didn’t affect me as severely as it has others, it was scary, lonely, and difficult.

Honestly, the worst part for me was having to stay away from my husband.  I am the type of person who uses hugs as medicine, so not being able to be near him made it so awful. Add to that being completely out of commission for two weeks and you may understand why I am just now getting back into the swing of things.  I had a lot to catch up on.  I’m now hoping to get back to my planned Monday/Thursday writing schedule.  Here’s hoping!

Now it’s time for change.

During this unplanned hiatus, I had time to evaluate some things.  The Lord tells us to “be still,” but we often do not listen.  I am certainly guilty of that.  Well, having COVID I had no choice but to be still, so I did a lot of prayer and reflection.  As someone without children, my faith, my husband, and my job are the places I find my fulfillment.  Having a job that is challenging, interesting, and utilizes my experiences and education  – and where I am surrounded by people from whom I can learn, and who respect my intelligence – is something that has been seriously lacking.

My current job is fine, but I am not particularly happy.  I don’t get to use my analytical, creative brain on a daily basis.  I am not surrounded by people who respect my decisions.  So, that needs to change.

Everybody’s workin’ for the weekend.

Colossians 3:23 tells us to “work willingly (or with all your heart) at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord.” And whatever job I have, I do my best to work hard, knowing that it’s not only a paycheck but a service.  However, it becomes much more tiresome and laborious to do so when the work you are performing isn’t something you absolutely love.  You wind up just marking the days off until the weekend.

This realization led me to decide to change careers.  I know, I know, this isn’t an earth-shattering decision.  However, it can be a big one – bridled with “what-ifs” and uncertainties. But until you dip your toe into the water, you can’t find the strength.  Like Joshua and the Jordan River – until you face the rushing river and dip your toe in, you aren’t going to see what God has in store.

So I did.  I sent out a million resumes and searched for a million different tags and titles, and found some great options.  And through it all, God has shown me His guidance.  I interviewed three times for a position that I thought would be perfect, only to have been ghosted.  But because of that, I found two other positions where I believe I can find my rest-of-my-life career.  One of which was something I just happened upon, and it turns out it is my DREAM job.  As I write this, I’m waiting to hear about a second interview.

I humbly ask for some prayers that everything works out the way I hope – that my desires and God’s plan are in sync.  It has been a while since I have been truly passionate about and challenged by my job, and I want to feel that again.  I know this one job can do it.

Lesson learned.

The moral of this story is severalfold.  One, learn to be still.  Give yourself time to reevaluate things when you feel like something just isn’t working.  If you keep yourself too busy, you will never find the time to listen to God’s plan.  Second, trust the process.  Give it time and don’t expect things to change overnight – especially if you aren’t willing to dip your toe in the water.  Sometimes things fall into our laps – most times, they don’t.  Third, keep working willingly.  If you can work willingly at a job you don’t like, imagine just how far you can go in a job that fuels your spirit!

Finally, ask boldly for what you want.  Not just to God, but to yourself, and in the case of job-hunting – to your prospective employer.  Know your worth and show your worth.  Life is so short.  Find your passion.  Realize your worth.  Let God guide you toward it.

Update:

Since making this decision, my mental and physical health are in a REALLY good place.  Situational depression is for real.  And the effects of the psyche on the body are also real.  Remember that.  Sometimes, all it takes is a decision to change something that can alleviate stress and move toward a healthier mind and body.

Please feel free to email me or use the socials to reach out and talk about your faith journeys through this crazy world.

Thoughtful, respectful comments are welcome and encouraged.

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