Meagan’s parents were in town over the weekend so we got to have a meal together at Nathan and Meagan’s house. Such a treat to see dear friends (and co-grandparents) whom we’ve known for so long.
Besides getting to be with dear friends and family, another highlight of the afternoon was when Andrew decided to give himself a little trim job. Yep. He cut it right down to the scalp. He’s still pretty cute!
that I’ve just celebrated my first anniversary at my job. I told a little about finding the job in this post but didn’t tell the most important part of the story, which I’ll share with you now.
As I mentioned in the linked post, I had been offered this job three times and had turned it down each time because I didn’t want to work full-time. One Friday afternoon, after turning the job down yet again (and telling Steve that I had done so), I went into the kitchen to start making dinner. My mind wasn’t on the job at all because as far as I was concerned, that subject was done and dusted.
Or so I thought.
As I grabbed two potatoes to put in the microwave, I clearly heard a thought pop into my mind, “Take the job.”
Now some of you are going to ask, “Wait. Are you saying God was speaking to you?”
Well, yes, I believe He was.
I realize that people don’t often hear God speak in an audible voice but Steve and I have always believed that He still speaks. The Bible talks about Him directing our steps and ordering our paths and He can do that in many ways. Two of those ways are circumstances (being offered the job three times), and thoughts that just spring into our minds out of nowhere.
I stopped stock still in front of the kitchen sink, grasping a potato in each hand, and looked out at the golden hour settling over our beautiful spring-green trees. Just as I was wondering if I had imagined what had just happened, the thought came again, “Take the job.”
After that second time, tears filled my eyes as a quiet certainty filled my heart. I knew that was the job I was supposed to have.
I must have stood there for a full five minutes, quietly examining the words in my head, thinking about the ramifications of saying yes and feeling a definite peace about all of it. (Whereas half an hour earlier I had been telling Steve most emphatically that I wished they would stop asking because I was not, repeat, not, going to work full-time.)
The funny part of the story is that after I called Steve to the table for dinner and he finished praying over the meal I opened my eyes, looked at him, and said, “I’m taking the job.”
The look on his face was pure husbandly bewilderment and befuddlement. He was like, “You are doing what?!”
I explained to him what had just happened to me in the kitchen and he was as amazed as I was. He knew something pretty significant would have had to happen to make me go from a hard no to a definite yes in the space of just a few moments.
I had looked at hundreds of jobs online and didn’t feel like any of them were a good fit. And the interesting thing about this job is that if I had seen the job description online, I would never have applied for it. (Even I had been looking for full-time.) I would have taken one look at the requirements and clicked right out of it, feeling completely underqualified.
But just to add to the “God directing our steps” theme, here’s something that He used to guide me to this job.
When I first started looking for work, I signed up with a randomly chosen temp agency–one out of many dozens of options. And that just happened to be the one temp agency that had the connection to this company. And I just happened to be the one who was available to fill in there when the current employee was out sick.
And after working there a few more times, when the position came open, it was offered to me. So I basically slid into the company through the backdoor without even being interviewed.
If that’s not God directing my steps, I don’t know what it is. And to think I almost turned it down because I had a particular thing in my mind that I was not willing to budge on.
is the corporate headquarters for a company with twenty-one branches in five states. The president is down the hall from me; my supervisor is his Executive Assistant.
On the second floor of the building is the global company that makes the items we sell. I act as a receptionist for that company as well. We also have some multi-national Digital Transformation consultants in the building for a year so between them and the upstairs company, I regularly interact with people from India, Ireland, London, Singapore, Germany, Turkey, China, and many other places. Some of them are corporate bigwigs arriving in the lobby with suitcases having just flown in from whatever far-flung location they live in.
At first, I was a little intimidated about having to deal with those people but then I just made it my mission to forget about my insecurities and concentrate on welcoming them well. If I can do a little research on their company before they get there, I try to mention what I’ve learned. I can often make them smile or even laugh out loud which I always count as a win.
Just about every day, I’ll have a dozen or two brand-new technicians come in and head to training classes. A lot of times they are young guys, kind of rough around the edges, shy about being in a big city and a big company, and a little nervous about all they are going to have to learn. I always greet them with a smile and try to make a little conversation to make them feel more comfortable. Interacting with people from many different backgrounds is one of the things I really love.
I also love putting people at ease who are coming in for interviews. A couple of weeks ago, I met a man who had gotten up at 3 am to fly in from TX for an interview and then was flying right back again. I got him checked in and then after he was seated, I started asking him a few questions. We talked about ten minutes before he was called back.
As he was leaving later in the day he stopped by my desk and said, “Thank you so much for talking with me before the interview. I have been with strangers all day and haven’t had anyone to talk to and I was so nervous. Having that conversation with you helped me feel much for calm and confident. You helped me a lot.”
One of my favorite parts of my job is that I am in the corner of a lobby in my own little spot. Many times, things are crazy and I’m doing three things at a time. But in the afternoon, especially, when things tend to quiet down some, I might be alone in the lobby for 10-15 minutes at a time.
I think back to two other jobs I interviewed for; at those jobs, I would have been with/near people every second of the day. I’m so grateful God led me to a job that allows me space to “introvert” for a few minutes each day.
I have gotten to know over 200 people’s names and I love feeling like I am an integral part of the business where people come to me for directions, for answers, for information, even for a listening ear and encouragement. People tell me bits and pieces of their stories when they stop by and I try to ask good questions so I can get to know them and what they’re dealing with.
would I have seen myself working in a high-caliber corporate environment, but here I am– directed by a small voice and a big turn of direction in what I thought I needed.
I am so grateful that I didn’t give in to my stubbornness or my idea of what I thought I needed to do. With all the expensive repairs and renovations we’ve faced, the extra income has been a great provision.
I’m also glad I am the one to have the job outside the house and not Steve because there is no way I could have wrangled all the schedules and workmen and renovation issues that he has dealt with over these past 18 months. He’s also done a lot of work himself which has saved us thousands of dollars.
So anyway, I just wanted to give you a little window into the last year of working this job and to reiterate that God cares about our lives, our decisions, and our choices. He sees all the stuff we don’t see. It’s like a person watching a parade through a knothole in a fence versus someone watching from a helicopter above.
My knothole view of life didn’t give me all the information I needed to know that I was about to pass up God’s provision for our family and a fulfilling job for myself. I’m so glad I listened to that still, small voice.
I’ll close with one of my favorite verses taken from Proverbs 3:5-6.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
What about you?
Have you ever landed a job that you felt unqualified for? How did it go?
Do you feel like there have been times in your life when you’ve felt heavenly nudges to go a certain direction?
Do you ever feel intimidated by certain people or in certain situations? What do you do to deal with it?
Did you (or one of your children) ever cut your hair in a not-so-flattering style?
I don’t remember ever cutting my own hair as a youngster (although I was often given a “pixie” – just dated myself there), however my youngest cut her’s very similar to Andrew’s except just a little wider.
I’m glad you are loving your job so much and enjoyed hearing how you came to be full-time. My positions with the school district was similar in that I first subbed for about a year & a half in many different schools & positions; Then an assistant principal called to see if I would be interested in a two-week sub assignment to start the school year and I jumped at it, as there are not usually many openings the first couple weeks of school. As the two weeks neared the end, I was asked to work another two weeks, as the person I was subbing for had not been released to return. This happed again after four weeks, and was offered the position full time because the person decided the classroom I was now subbing in was a little too physical for her. It was so nice to get to try out the job before committing to it full time and the best part was NO INTERVIEW!!
I hope you enjoy Mother’s Day being spoiled & celebrated by your family!
Sue Ellen,
Sounds like we did have similar experiences as far as getting the job by being temps first. Like you said, it was a good way to do it because we both had a chance to try out the job before really committing to it.
Hooray for us!
This could possibly be the most off topic question EVER asked. I am a long time devoted reader since Sarah’s cancer blog I check in maybe once or twice a year sometimes more. It’s like visiting friends you care about and can’t wait to catch up with.. I spend an hour or so avidly reading so magine my surprise when I noticed you have a 4th grand son! How is it possible I did not not know that??? LOL When did this lnot so little one sneak in? I even went back to look for an announcement but never found one. It has been such a joy following your family even in the darkest of times there is always brightness in your words. You once visited my blog during some of my darkest moments and left kind words that left some sunshine when I couldn’t see any at all.
Monica,
So nice to hear from you!
Yes, those grandbabies do have a way of sneaking up on us! 🙂 There is only a little over a year between Andrew, the youngest, and Andrew so he sort of snuck up on all of us. But what a joy he is!
I’m so very thankful to know that something I wrote on your blog made a difference for you in a dark time. I’m glad we are the long time friends you love catching up with.
Stop by again real soon! Hugs.
Our move to this house at the time we did it was definitely a heavenly nudge. As it turns out, our kids have both needed us in very big ways since we got here so it’s been a real blessing that we have been able to be here for them.
I remember cutting my doll’s hair and then being devastated when I found out that it wouldn’t grow back. LOL (I was VERY young!!) I did cut my own bangs once but don’t remember my age. I DO remember mom not being too happy about it though. Oh well.
I don’t meet people very easily so I could never do a job like yours. I admire that you do. It sounds so interesting!
LeeAnne,
Isn’t that wonderful how we end up in the place right where we are needed most? I’m so glad for both you and your kids that you wound up where you are.
That’s a pretty tough lesson for a little person to learn–doll hair does NOT grow back! Fortunately for us all, human hair does. 🙂
I never would have thought I would enjoyed such a people-y job but I’m finding that I really do love interacting with everyone. Who knew?
Many years ago I lost my job due to the sale of the company I worked for. A friend of my family knew of a temp job which turned into a permanent job. Long story short the winery I worked for was sold to a huge adult beverage company which thankfully hired me. Over the years I had to work in main office many times for projects that came up. I absolutely hated it when I had to fly to Norwalk CT. I finally convinced my Norwalk boss that if the travel back there continued I would be looking for work elsewhere. Since I was always involved in projects and usually the lead with anything to do with payroll or timekeeping they gave in. I worked there until I retired at 55 with full health benefits for life.
Cindy,
Good for you for speaking up and standing your ground. You obviously had an impressive array of skills that made you too valuable to lose.
And full benefits for life? How great is that?
Happy Anniversary! I love your “office”. It’s so welcoming and bright.
My daughter cut her bangs to her scalp the day before pictures when she was in the second grade We went ahead with the pictures anyway, even though I could’ve postponed them until her hair grew out, because I wanted the memory of that hilarious moment when she came out of the bathroom so proud of herself. I asked what she used to cut them (since I never left scissors in their bathroom) and she pulled her little school scissors out from behind her back. Those things didn’t cut paper half the time, but on this night, they chopped her bangs right to the scalp.
When I was promoted to assistant principal in my school, I was so excited and ready for the challenge. What I never expected was how much I would miss the kids and teaching. After two years of that, I went back into the classroom where I feel like I always belonged. The crazy thing is before I took the job, I felt like God was telling me not to, but I decided I was mishearing Him. Lesson learned!
Lisa,
I’m glad you went ahead with the pictures of your daughter even with the “interesting” hair. What a great and fun memory to look back on! (Although I can only imagine your face when she first walked into the room.)
Yes, our own reasoning can definitely get in the way of how we feel God is directing. I’m glad you were able to get back to the place you belonged after those two years. I’m sure you were much happier.
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary!
I left Tampa as my position was eliminated there in 2014. I had been with my company 16 years so wanted to stay with them if at all possible. I interviewed for several positions with no luck. My notice period was about to run out when I interviewed for a finance position in our Overland Park office. The market president decided I wasn’t “dynamic” enough for that role but thought I would be a good fit for a position in the MRA (Medicare Risk Adjustment) department. I never interviewed with the Director as she was new to her role also. Big mistake! I have described this person as a cross between Hitler and Atila the Hun. She was very intimidating and thought nothing of dropping several curse words in the course of a 15-minute meeting. Fortunately, a Finance position opened up within 4 months and I was allowed to transfer to it. I do feel like I was being nudged to moving back to the area as my parents still lived about 120 miles from my house. Also, within 8 months of moving to KS, my dad needed thyroid surgery at KU in the KC area.
I don’t have kids but a friend had a 3-year-old daughter that cut her hair, picked her mom’s tulips and wet her pants all the same day they brought her baby brother home from the hospital.
Phyllis,
Ooh, I know you were so glad to get away from the Atila the Hun director. I feel bad for the next person who had to work under her.
I know you were thankful to move to be nearer to your parents and help with their care. It is so difficult when elderly parents live a long distance away.
Sounds like your friend’s daughter was making her feeling clear about that new baby brother! I’m sure she made the adjustment to him quickly. 🙂
Oh, my. Have a feeling most of us have had our kids try and be barbers or beauticians. He really did it good.
I definitely believe that God does speak to us – He also did to me about 40 or so years ago. We had in our church Pioneer Girls (like Girl Scouts) and then it changed to Missionettes. They were looking for a coordinator – I had not even considered praying about it but one Sat. was vacuuming and this voice said, “tell them you will be the coordinator.” I stopped vacuuming and huh. The voice told me again. So I was the coordinator for a year. There is a group that I am still involved with (luncheons every 2nd Thursday) is called Stonecroft Ministries. It was started about 75 years ago by 2 women. We have a special presentation (someone might bring in craft items they made, or someone who is a entrepreneur, then we have a speaker that gives her (or his) testimony. An invitation is given at the end of their testimony. About 20 years ago the coordinator was going to resign and the board needed to elect someone new. They said they were going to pray about it. I had no thoughts of doing this job – had prayed about it but no indication from the Lord. I received a call one day and was asked if I would consider being the new coordinator – I was the 5th person they had called. I did not feel good about it – didn’t feel the Lord was calling me to do it, told them I would pray about it (still nothing from the Lord) but it was like they were running out of ladies to ask. So I took the job. I did not enjoy it – I was feeling “this is not for me.” Everyone said I did a fantastic job, but I was heavy of heart. It was a year job, but I quit after 6 months – I did not feel qualified and yet they were telling me that God just wanted me to be willing – I was, but each time we met it was with gritted teeth. When I quit, I was so relieved. I never did have peace about doing it.
Have prayed that the Lord would use you at your job – what a ministry that can be to all those that come into that building and find that smiling face. You never know how their day had started out. Lord continue to bless and use you.
Sharyn,
I agree–it’s not a great feeling to be in a position where you don’t really feel equipped or gifted. When you always dread each meeting or activity, that’s a pretty good sign. At least you gave it a try for 6 months; what a huge relief to be done with it.
Even though being a leader in it wasn’t your “thing,” I love the idea behind Stonecroft ministries and love to hear that it’s lasted so long. That’s great!
Yes, this is so important. You have to be open in order to hear the voice. Then trust and listen. Our perspective is so small. I have heard it a few times and it always surfaces when least expected and startles me a little bit. It has changed the trajectory of my life each time and never steers me wrong. Yet! Haha.
So glad your days are a mix of what’s most important to you. Yayyy!
Andrew!! LOL, does he now have a buzz cut?
As far as intimidation, I become a stone. No engagement. I lay low and get out of there as soon as possible. The only thing that has ever intimidated me is the feeling of possible physical harm from someone or a situation. Luckily, that has never transpired. Other than that, at the age I am now, not much gets under my skin.
I love hearing about your job, the lobby is so pretty 🙂
Lesley,
I love hearing that each time you listened, the trajectory of your life changed. And very true that our perspective is so small–way, way too small. I don’t know how many times I’ve thought I knew exactly the right thing that should or should be done and it turns out I way off because I only saw part of the picture.
I don’t know how Meagan dealt with the hair; if she left it or buzzed it. What is it with kids cutting their hair?
Yes, I agree about getting older and not letting things intimidate or bother us so much. Age has many benefits!
I was trying to think of a way to work for my self in the 1990s. Never had a thought that would set me “free”.
One day unexpectedly I was laid off. I called my friend at another company to see if they were hiring and he said I will call you after this meeting. He called back to say he had just been laid off. Well long story short we both incorporated and have been installing Audio Video systems together ever since 2001.
Tim! A comment from my brother! 🙂
Steve and I were just talking about you and Berit and the longevity of your jobs. You both found your niche and have done it well for many decades! It’s rare for both members of a couple to have such long-term jobs; usually it’s just one or the other. Just one of the many things that makes you guys special. Lots of love.
GOD IS GOOD!!! THAT IS ALL…..
Kaye,
So very true!
Posted earlier but it didn’t go through!
What sort of job were you looking for?? Wondering what you had in mind when you were directed elsewhere. 🙂
Stefanie,
Since my experience and education are pretty limited I knew I wasn’t going to have a ton of choices. I knew I could do basic office jobs and also looked into some office jobs in a medical setting. Because of my arthritis and lung issues, I knew I couldn’t do anything physically demanding or be on my feet all day. This job definitely challenges me but I was able to grow into it; I’m grateful to have found something I love!
I think you are such a people person that the job is great for you.
I needed a summer job one year and had no idea where to look. Meeting a checker at the grocery store, that I knew, steered me to a job in the deli. I had no experience and tons of misgivings, but worked there for 10 summers and loved it.
While I pray often for God’s direction, I don’t feel as if I have ever heard or felt a special push in any direction.
I am easily intimidated and usually just try to avoid whoever or whatever is intimidating.
I once cut just a few stray strands that I missed in my pony tail making. Wow was that ever noticeable when they got a half inch long. Having taught preschool and kindergarten I have seen so many kids who have cut their hair and a few that did it at school.
Patti,
Oh yes, cutting stray hairs short is a great short term solution but when they grow out? Yikes. Not so fun. As a teacher I am sure you saw a ton of “interesting” haircuts. What is it with kids and scissors?
Good for you for taking a job where you weren’t entirely confident and then staying such a long time!