“I’m not giving up on giving You a chance to blow my mind.” – Jars of Clay
Contrary to what I have written previously, my World Race doesn’t start in January 2014.
On August 19, I started something I consider to be Phase One of my World Race. I never thought I would actually do it. Many aspects of it are outside of my comfort zone. But I think it will only help me in preparing for the Race….
I took a contract job in speech therapy… in a podunk little town… over 100 miles away from Charlotte. It all happened very quickly, but this is actually a HUGE answer to prayer. Let me tell you how the Lord has blessed me with this job:
- It lasts only 13 weeks (so I’ll be done in time for the Race without actually having to “quit”… my contract will end, and I will be done!)
- It’s within my scope of practice.
- I was able to quickly find a short-term lease (hard to find) with a place in a quiet and safe part of town.
- I enjoy working with my boss and my co-workers (MASSIVE praise). Many of the stressors I had in my old job are not here. Thank. You. Jesus.
- I’m only about 2 and 1/2 hours from Charlotte, so I can come home on the weekends to my church and family. What a blessing!
God has truly blessed me with this job… even in the midst of a major disappointment.
Today I found out my company will be docking my pay by a significant amount for reasons that are unethical and beyond my control. It’s complicated and a long story. I was furious at first. To be honest, I made myself wait 24 hours before I talk to them (for fear I may say something I regret).
I had all the plans laid out. I was so proud of my budget. Then after finding out, thoughts raced through my mind like: How could they justify this? What about all my bills? What about my retirement account?!? (Yes, I am about 40 years from retirement and I am trying to think that far ahead). Don’t judge me. I’m a J. 😉
Obviously God had another idea.
Shortly after finding out, I could hear God saying…
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26
It’s as if God was saying… Really? After all I have brought you through, you’re going to let this throw you for a loop?
I am now determined to trust God with this. He has never let me down before. And He’s not going to start now.
Prayer need: Please pray that I will exude Christ-likeness, especially during interactions with my company, and pray for continued favor.
On that note, I need to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me thus far with prayer and/or financial support. Thanks to all of you, I have officially met my first deadline! I cannot thank you enough!!!!
