God Had Other Plans for Me
I’ve never written a blog before. How’s that for an introduction? I’ve spent the last 20 years writing volunteer manuals and training curriculum, performance reviews and social media content for my last employer. But I’ve never sat down to share what’s on my heart – at least with the intention of sharing with the public.
Last year, I left the employment of a company I’d spent over two decades working for. It was a dream job for me and I willingly spent long hours – including evenings and weekends – in the service of what I thought was my “mission field.” I learned so much about conflict resolution, volunteer management, navigating the whims and emotions of a largely female volunteer base, working hard to help these ladies become strong and confident women, as well as raising a family at the same time. I thought I had it all and 50-plus-hour workweeks didn’t phase me.
But God had other plans for me.
My employer and I separated ways and I was suddenly adrift. The thing that had defined me for so long was gone and I was floundering, hard. I spent months agonizing over my “lost life.” I couldn’t see what was next. Why me? Why now? I wasn’t young and I was terrified.
But God had other plans for me.
As I slowly came out of my fog, old friends started reaching out – the ones I hadn’t had time for before. My daughter and her family pulled me into their lives. I had time to pick up my Bible and really immerse myself in it. I devoured podcasts, guided prayer and Bible studies. But more importantly, I had time in my brain and my day to talk – REALLY talk – with God. I found myself thirsty again for my Heavenly Father. When things were going well, I sometimes forgot to stay in communion with Him. But He didn’t condemn me.
God had other plans for me.
He welcomed me back with an open heart and open arms. I could cry on His shoulder and he would whisper His love for me. I could stumble through what my new normal was and He led the way. I could rebuild friendships and a stale marriage with His help. I could reconnect with a church family and give back to it. I could find joy in new hobbies and spread His love with my new communities. I could become a better steward of the many gifts God has given me.
God had other (BETTER) plans for me. And God has plans for you as well.
All my love,
Sally