When this year began, it became necessary for me to get a job. It had been a decade since I was in the workforce. My previous employment happened when circumstances made it necessary to help provide for our family of six. For several years I held down three jobs – office manager, retail associate, and cashier. I will forever be thankful for the Lord’s grace since one of the positions came with health insurance, not only for me, but for my entire family!
I started my search for work by applying for any job that was open and for which I met the qualifications. Continually, I asked the Lord to lead me and to open a door. It was a long, tedious process and I was grateful that my friend with a house-cleaning company could employ me for the interim.
One of the available positions was substitute teaching in a school district within the region. The Lord impressed upon me that I should apply to this school district along with the other job applications. I obeyed, was thrilled to be hired immediately, and put right to work. This district has four levels of schools – elementary, intermediate (4th and 5th grade), junior high, and senior high. I felt at ease with students of all ages. Each time that I showed up to sub for a different teacher brought a new challenge. My goal was to follow the missing teacher’s lesson plans and make each minute in the classroom count. I quickly became known in all the different levels to students who would greet me as I walked down the halls of their schools. It was very gratifying and a joy to be employed and serve.
But then school let out for the summer and the job went away! So, I was back at square one again and storming heaven with my prayers for a job in Katy! Once more, I was applying anywhere that seemed a possibility. One of the places was a national chain of coffee shops, and each location required a separate application. I fought getting down emotionally, determined that each new day would be a fresh start with my eyes on God. But so much effort was needed -- it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
There is a local coffee shop not far from my home that is faith-based. I have a mentor and we meet there regularly. “Have you tried applying at this place?” she asked. I had not -- and immediately went home to fill out an application online. A week later, the owner contacted me. She was not offering a job but said my application would be kept active.
Three weeks later, the owner invited me to an online interview on Google Meet. It lasted more than an hour. How thrilling it was to then be offered a job! Almost immediately, I was being trained individually -- even though that company usually trains in small groups for their two locations. As soon as I started work, my job felt like such a good fit. It is great to be where there is a lot of action! I was determined to give it my best effort.
Near the end of July, I moved up to becoming a barista preparing specialty lattes. By the time August came around, I was training others in the kitchen. My job has also brought the opportunity to make suggestions. One of them has been submitting streamlined recipes that are easier for our many millennial employees to follow. I was my mother’s helper in the kitchen for a number of years while growing up, so I feel the excitement and confidence to suggest new drinks, toppings, or other food choices for this coffee shop!
Just this week, my immediate supervisor surprised me with the news that they would like to bump me up to become one of the managers! I was so surprised and a little fearful since things are moving so fast. But my trust is completely in the Lord to enable me as only He can. How very overwhelming is the goodness of God!
Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those
who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you …
Psalm 31:19
