And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
When we moved three years ago I closed down my part-time daycare business that I ran out of my home. I started that business to help out a friend and 6 years later I was a licensed daycare with the state.
I loved the kids, I loved the work, but I just wasn’t passionate about it. It wasn’t anything that filled me deep down into my soul. Back then it was what I knew and what I could do while being at home for my own kids. That meant I was ready to close up the doors when we moved.
After a year off I was getting the itch to do something again. I just didn’t know what. I thought that all I knew was kids and taking care of them. But nothing in that category of jobs really sparked much interest for me. This November I came across a post on Facebook that was a plea for help for a friend’s business. It was a person who lived in my neighborhood and she was sharing a job description for help needed in her friend’s catering kitchen. It was basically a person needed to prep food for the chef of this catering business.
It caught my attention because I LOVE to cook. However, I had never in my life worked in a commercial kitchen. I figured I had zero experience and had no right to apply. But a few days later I was still thinking about the job. I talked with my husband who told me I have done so many different things that I could easily prove that I would work well in the kitchen. I finally set aside all of the negative comments in my head and decided I would send in my resume. What was the worst they would say – no?? That wasn’t the end of the world. If nothing else I would have an updated resume and interview experience.
A few weeks later I had gone to my first interview in 22 years and got the job! When I first entered the kitchen my nervousness subsided. I felt at home. I was doing what I loved…chopping, chopping, and chopping! Everything that eases my tension and makes me feel worthwhile. Even the sweeping, scrubbing, and dish duty seemed like fun. This is when I knew that this was it. This was where my passion was. This was the place that God had wanted for me. He had given me the gifts I needed for this moment. I was just sorry it had taken me 44 years to figure it out. Better late then never though….I was so happy!
Then the unexpected hit. The pandemic. Everything got shut down, everyone went into quarantine, and my job at the catering business was gone for now. The owner had to change her way of business temporarily and only kept on the bare minimum staff. My work shoes are STILL in my car where I left them after my last day on the job – waiting for me to go back.
As the quarantine went on longer and life seems to have drastically changed for everyone. It really makes me wonder how that will look for the food business – especially catering businesses. My job that I loved but had only a few months to experience was suddenly gone. I’m praying that I will eventually get to go back to the kitchen again, but will it look different? If I can’t go back to that kitchen, will I be able to go somewhere else?
The negative thoughts came back like a wildfire! I had only a few months of experience. No one would give me a chance like my previous boss did. I would have to go back to a less than passionate job. But that’s when God breaks into my pity party and reminds me of his goodness:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:18, 26, 28
He reminds me that my job at the catering company isn’t over – just on a hiatus. He reminds me that his gifts are constant and will always be there. He reminds me that he travels ahead of me. He reminds me of his great love and devotion to me. That I will be JUST FINE – I just need to believe. So I pray.
Some days my prayers have no words. Just a few nights ago I went to bed a mess of emotions. I laid in bed and prayed to God that I had no words but that I knew he would know exactly what I was feeling. He would know exactly what I needed. That he would provide.
I awoke the next morning to the beautiful sunshine and birds chirping! I awoke to a thousand slobbery dog kisses and tails wagging! I awoke to my youngest already awake and dressed with the best “good morning” greeting I could’ve asked for! No I didn’t have answers to my quarantine worries. I didn’t have a day on the calendar for when I would be back at work. But I had received exactly what I needed to keep going. And that is enough.
How are you suffering at this moment? Are you drained emotionally or physically? Are you worried about your job or finances? Are you struggling with orders to stay home while scared of getting sick? Whatever it is, God wants you to believe that he has goodness in store for you. He wants you to believe in him and he wants you to come to him in prayer. Take some time today to drop it at Jesus feet in prayer. Even if you have no words he will meet you there and he will listen. He will provide. And that is enough.
Simply. Honestly. Emily. 