Life is so different now than it was a few years ago. In fact, life is so different now than it was one year ago. In December 2011, I got a new job and was excited about all my new responsibilities and the newness of my position. I was "bright-eyed and bushy-tailed" and ready for the challenges my new job had to offer me. Last year at this time, I didn't seem to be as busy as I am now. Chris didn't seem to be so busy either. I recall spending lots of time with him in the evenings after we both got off of work. Last year at this time, I also had a few close friends that I confided in and saw pretty often. Last year at this time, I had a best friend. I've had a lot to think about over the last several months. I enjoy the satisfaction I get from working hard and doing it better and more thoroughly than some other people that I know. I enjoy servicing my customers and truly trying to teach them and guide them in their financial lives. I enjoy when I receive a sweet little note from a customer that I helped who speaks very little English and the note simply says, "Thanks for help. Very grateful, Ralph". I enjoy and try to relish in these things amidst the greed and quotas and pressure of exceeding expectations the "higher ups" set for me.
Chris is juggling four jobs right now....not because we need to make ends meet, but because he--more than anyone I know--has a servant's heart. His love language is Acts of Service, and he shows his love in everything he does. He teaches Algebra and Geometry twice a week, he tutors in the afternoons, he owns a tee shirt business, and he is flipping a house to sell. I truly thank God for a hard working man, but sometimes I just want to spend time with my husband. I come home after a very long day of work, and Chris comes home after sometimes working three different jobs in a day, and all of our energy is spent. Then, on the weekends, we try to catch up on spending time with each other, trying to spend time with family, and seeing a couple friends when our schedules will allow...but this is ONLY if I don't work on Saturdays and he isn't working on his house, or tutoring.
Lastly, I experienced a very hurtful end to a friendship last year in May that unfortunately has remained unresolved. My best friend of several years said some very mean things to me and really cut me to my core after months of giving me the silent treatment. I thank the Lord that he gave me so much peace in that situation and strength to stand my ground. He also taught me so much in the process that I blinded myself to and wasn't able to see until I took a step back(more like He shoved me back). I still have a lot of love for this person, but came to the conclusion that the best thing for me was to keep myself out of this friendship.
So where does this leave me?
Well, I feel like I am always working, but I try to focus on the good things that I do/can do for my customers to really benefit them. I am missing my hubby more than I'd like, but I really relish in the moments that I do get to spend with him. And lastly, I am earnestly praying that the Lord brings me a few really close (local) Christian women to be friends with. I'm longing for friendship that is uplifting, encouraging, and that will keep me accountable to my beliefs. Chris and I are not members of a specific church and I think this is why it is a little more challenging for me to connect to other Christian women. I want some females I can confide in, give and receive advice to/from, and just some gals to go to dinner with, have coffee with.
4 comments:
I'm so happy that your job is fulfilling and you are able to help others through it.
Wow your hubs works a lot of jobs, but I love that his love language is acts of service and does it!!! That is really awesome!
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of a best friend, but thankful beyond belief since it sounds like it may not have been the best thing.
Praying God brings you some Christian gal pals soon! Wish I was local!!!
Thanks for letting me in your new season of life, through your blog. I'm so excited to hear what God has in store for you. He knows the desires of your heart!!!
First off thanks for letting me into the details of your life.
As for your connection, or lack thereof, with encouraging Christian women I completely understand. I've been struggling with the same issue. I started attending church again (after about 5 years of not going) and it's pretty uplifting but I just don't feel connected. Unfortunately, I'm not really sure what to tell you because in this case I'd feel like it's the blind leading the blind. But I really hope you find that connection and who knows maybe we can get together and be that support team for each other!
Thanks for reading, Gals! Shawna, I wish you were local! Tara, lets get together! It would be nice to catch up; its been a while. What church are you going to? Maybe I'm being too picky, but we just can't seem to find a church that we feel really connected to.
Ya let's definitely meet up. Give me a call/text whenever. My cell is 210-315-2464. I'm going to Grace Point. I'm liking the message, but having some issues getting connected. I really want to be involved and do some sort of service (I was always to involved in youth at Jubilee) that it's weird for me not to know anybody there!!!! They're having Kite Day this coming Sunday so maybe it'll give me the chance to make some buddies.
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