Fast-forward to the spring of 2009. I had been out of college for twenty years (gulp!). I had worked in various capacities at a Christian organization, feeling confident that God had led me to those positions. During those years, I had gotten married, had a child, and then divorced. One thing I was not, and had not been, was a youth minister, nor had I worked on a church staff, other than filling in for people for short temporary positions. My current job was a corporate position at a national insurance company. I really wanted to quit, but needed to have something else to go to. Plus, I knew that the job had been God's provision for me and it gave me valuable experience that I needed after being out of the workplace.
Then one Sunday, there was an announcement in the bulletin at church. They were looking for an Office Manager, since the person in the position was leaving to have a baby. I sent in my resume, not knowing if anything would come out of it. The rest is history, as the saying goes. I was called for an interview. Then they called me back for a second interview. The next day I was offered the job. And I accepted. I could hardly believe that it was happening! I turned in my resignation at my corporate job and was working at the church two weeks later. My first day was April 20, 2009.
Over the past year, I have never regretted that decision. In fact, the first month or so, I had to keep figuratively pinching myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. As I learned the ropes and said good-bye to my predecessor, and made my own place in the office, I realized that it was a good fit for me. Then one day the thought came to mind: I am doing what I was called to do, using the gifts that God gave me and serving Him on a church staff! Only God knew back in 1987 that this is what it would look like for me, in 2009 and beyond!
I am so thankful that God is in control of my life and that He truly does know the plans He has for me. And only God knows how long I will work as Office Manager at Grace Community Church. From this viewpoint, I'd be perfectly happy to stay there until I can retire (it is kind of funny to imagine what everyone will look like by then). But since I can't know the future, I'll just continue to do what I know I'm called to do right now. And I'll be thankful that I have a job, a calling, that I love!
3 comments:
I am thankful that God worked all things for both of our good... and that He brought you to the church staff. I knew you would find joy in serving there.
Thanks, JS. I wouldn't have wanted you to leave the church job unless it was God's sovereign plan working in your life. I'm thankful that He's in control and knows much more than we do about how things look in the bigger picture!
I enjoyed reading this. It's sort of how we feel right now, too. It's so cool to see how God has used past experiences--especially ones that you didn't understand at the time--for His glory and to prepare you for where you are now. He is so good and able!
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