blessing in disguise:

“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm…
In His own time, in His own way”
-William Cowper

Yesterday a dear friend of mine visited me at work or maybe just so she could study, either way – she indirectly reminded me of how our heavenly Father works. So, this past summer was going good, warm, sunny, and pretty – the only good thing Michigan brings for three months. I graduated from HS, had seen family I hadn’t seen a while, hung out with friends all the time, was looking forward to the rest of the summer and what was in store, life was moving fast as I quickly went from a care free high schooler to a more “mature” college student with more responsibilities. I was working a tad above minimum wage at the time, at a job that at the time I really actually loved – despite the pay, the customers, and the management staff … okay I only liked the social aspect. The people that worked there were all young (my age – mid twenties) and really funny and made time go by quickly. I knew in May that I would be going away (various trips & other responsibilities) for three week near the end of July into August. I requested this time off knowing it was a long time and that I would make up for it once I returned. My boss was totally cool with it and off I went. Little did I know July would be the last time I was punched in at work … So there I went, honest to goodness serving my Creator at a camp for disabled/abused kids – which was a truly amazing experience, once home after about ten days, I loaded on to yet another bus about three days later and headed up North to counsel at my churches summer camp – which again was a huge blessing and growing experience. After that I was finally home, but not going back to work just yet – my family, about 41 %: my mom, dad, and twin sister went down South for a missions trip with our church. That left my two little brothers, my older sister and myself with the house to ourselves for an entire week. My twin had been withholding a decent paying nannying job that summer, and I volunteered my services as she was away. Alright so the three weeks were finally up and I was at my church on a Sunday afternoon before Lighthouse, when it dawned on me to call my work and see when I was scheduled for the following week… that’s when it happened and when I heard th e words I honestly NEVER thought I would hear on the other end “you’re not on the schedule.” – those words translate to your fired, adios amigos, go find another job, or your time here is through. The first thing that came to my mind were, oh they are just pulling my leg (seeing that the guy who I was talking to, a fellow employee and someone who was known for being very sarcastic and never took life seriously), so still in shock I actually asked for the other guy who was also working, for a reassurance my time was through or to second his remarks. He wasn’t lying or joking he was telling the hurtful truth. I was sad – this was a job that I enjoyed on most days and had really grew to love the people I worked with, so it was like I was being cut off from a group of friends in a way. Not only that I had been working there for almost a year which for an after school job is pretty impressive. The next thing that came to mind was settling with the fact that I had to get a new job – and if you know me at all you know I hate change, change in the weather, change in friendships or change in every area of life. I also dreaded the idea of having to go in for interviews or knowing that the job market was super sketchy at the time. So many things went through my mind: Why me? Why know? God, You know I am starting school in a couple of weeks and know I NEED a job? You know I liked the people I worked with. You know it was convenient to get to and had flexible scheduling options. You know I hate change!?

So August met me with the craziness of registering for classes, getting ready to start a new chapter of life – entitled College, and looking so desperately for a new job or source of income. I applied and looked into a lot of different coffee shops, book stores, restaurants, because the only two jobs I had ever held were in the food biz. I also applied to be an intern at for my churches youth ministry, something I really wanted and had a passion for and had really been praying for – but God closed all those doors and opened another door instead. One day my mom, being as wise and helpful as she is, suggested applying at our local Library. Okay in all honesty I laughed at the thought of even applying to such establishment. First because I’m not a reader – I can read, I choose not to read for enjoyment, unless I know it's really good … plus the only time I read tends to be forced upon, because my education requires such exercise. Another issue being my older sister was once fired from a library, - so we have a past and the only thing I think of when I think of libraries are; mean, old, unreasonable librarians. Therefore the idea of applying to work at one sounded preposterous! But because I know my mom really does always knows best, I applied anyway and a week later to my delight I was called in for an interview. I put nice clothes and makeup on and went in for my interview. I get super nervous on things such as interviews and of course this one wasn’t any different. My now boss was asking what I knew about computers and I was thinking in the back of my mind – uhh not enough to be helping someone … little did I know the job description involved working in the computer center. To my delight, God closed a door just to so graciously open another one instead. I started officially in September and I love it…the library that is. The job is a lot more professional than any other jobs I’ve had in the past and it looks better on a resumé. Not to mention I am getting paid three bucks more than I was at my last job – which does add up. I get homework done and get paid for it … yeah it’s sweet.

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*All that to say, God really does bless us when we least expect it. This may be a silly or not so serious situation, and I know I've had bigger problems than having to find a new job, but any situation we face causes us to stop and wait on God . It may take time, patience’s, courage, or maybe pain to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes – but He does not and will not fail us. When we seek Him, He is the one that approaches us with His never ending love and mercy. God can bless us in the smallest, biggest or even strangest ways but we can’t be blessed unless we diligently seek His face, through prayer, staying in His word, growing with other believers, or telling the world of this amazing Love! Blessings are in disguise because, God may take away or close doors just to open another door for reasons we can't understand & things may seem really bad or hard at the time ... but in the end, we find what a blessing that situation really was. As Christians, it is up to us to have faith and trust in God, as He can truly do the impossible, things unimaginable .. and in Gods perfect timing He will bless us. Oh God lets us press on --- that we may find Your favor through trials or pain, so that we may find Your blessings in disguise.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” - James 1:12