When I read a book, and it really catches me, I can’t put it down until I get to the end. And sometimes the plots are so good that I have an odd since of disappointment that the story has come to an end, even though the crisis has been resolved.
But when it comes to the stories of my life, I sometimes don’t care about the plot line at all and just want to skip to the end. I just want the bad parts to be over!
Like right now. I had a wonderful year in employment as a part-time Occupational Therapist in the public school systems. The pay was great and helped out our family tremendously this year. The job was challenging and engaging and I had a wonderful group of professionals, whom I now call friends, that supported me through all the learning curves of the year. But, the district has decided to only employ full-time therapist next fall. So today was my last day of work!!
Though I celebrate having the summer with my kids, there is a nagging part of my soul that just wants to know how this story will end, come the fall. Will I be gainfully employed? If so, where? For how long? With whom will I work? And on and on my demanding list goes. You see, I would just like to know how the story ends…. If it was in my control I would have already turned to the last page of this chapter just to resolve the angst I feel about uncertainty.
But, God seems to enjoy a good plot line. For two years God has been working on me to write. I have taken a bunch of ‘baby steps’ to that end. The best part about this is that I remember saying to my sister: “Well, if the district doesn’t hire me back next year then I will just take that as God’s direction for me that I should write.” The next day I was told I wouldn’t have a job in the fall.
So as I wrestle with trying to find a balance between a job that can pay for childcare and still afford me time to write. God is enjoying the plot thickening around me, the central character of the saga.
Two weeks ago I found a job listing for a 10 hour a week OT position at a charter school. I was so excited! This is it! This was what God wants for me! It is now a week and a half after submitting my resume and an additional follow up call was made and still no response from that school. In the mean-time another part-time OT job has opened at the school that my kids attend… “That’s it! This must be what God wants for me! (with a little less enthusiasm as I am not quite as sure about God’s plan now)”
Do I get to skip to the ending and spoil the story for you? NO!! I don’t because the thickness of the plot is what brings such sweet resolution at the end.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Notice how it is God saying the HE knows the plans for me!! Well, he’s got me on pins and needles too!
Stay tuned for the next chapter of my future.
