Seriously? No one really thinks that way.
But we should.
The last time I blogged, I wrote of my anger and frustration over my job. I did leave the job, but on a better note than what I wrote in my blog. (thank goodness) Here is the updated version:
Dear Miss Michelle,
I am writing to inform you that I will be leaving Kidz Go
Eco on December 1st. It
saddens me that I have to inform you of my decision, but I believe I must.
I was excited to find this job and talk with you and some of
the staff about working at your school. After moving 3 states, my wide-eyed
enthusiasm was brought back to reality. I thought that there would be a place
for me teaching the older students and I held on to that hope, even after you
explaining that you wanted to be in that position and rightly so. But then you
kept on interviewing for the position, which was very confusing, to say the
least. I know you are trying to make everyone happy, but you can’t.
I have worked and struggled to do and to be a teacher with
the 2 and 3 year olds. I have been flexible with hours that you’ve needed
me. I wanted to fit in, but it just
wasn’t right. Miss Aleaha is wonderful and you are so very lucky to have her.
But teaching the little ones is not for me.
It makes my decision difficult in a way, but I need to find
my purpose in life. I wanted to fit in- I wanted this job to be the dream job
that I’ve been looking for. I wanted it so bad that it hurt. But I think it’s
hurt me more being somewhere that doesn’t fit right and isn’t where I’m
supposed to be. God has plans for me and I needed to go through this to find
out that though I wanted this job to be right, it wasn’t.
-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
What made things even worse was the fact that Michelle (my former boss) gave the newest hire (that was working 11:30-5:30) FULL TIME HOURS (8-4:30 everyday). Ugh. Yes, I was rip-roaring mad and pissed (excuse me) after reading that. But you know, I could dwell on that and let it fester and drive me bonkers, or I could (get ready for it...)
I chose to let it go.
Right away, I applied for jobs- both here in Maine and back in Vermont. I applied for a "Rosie the Riveter" type job at the Portsmouth Naval Yard, I applied for different shipping, stocking, anything jobs, as well as being teacher's assistant jobs both in Maine and in Vermont. I also got involved with a temp agency who had me interview at 2 positions due to my customer service background. I had turned my life inside out and upside down and didn't know where or what to do. I love Vermont, but didn't really want to go back and do what I was doing- seasonal work- nor do I think (at this time at least) that I am ready to go back into public education, even as a teacher's assistant. And here in Maine- do I have a lot to stay here for? No, not really, though getting to see my niece and nephew occasionally is reason enough.
Anyhow, I got accepted working for a small family run company in Portland that makes & prints business checks, prescription pads, and many other things. I got the job last Monday and started Tuesday. All last week, I helped input website orders, which is mundane, but hey, it's a job. Next week, I'll learn more and probably get on the phones to take orders.I don't have vacations like I did working in schools, but at least I don't have to work on Christmas like I have for the past 7 or so years!
All this backstory said, I got this email yesterday that I wanted to share with you. I signed up for Bible Verse of the Day emails a while back, which I usually peruse first thing in the morning to help me start my day. Some are good, others are BAM just what I need to hear. So let me cut and paste it here for your reading:
Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
– Psalm 118:15-17 (NIV)
Today’s commentary
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org, Author of Making Sense of the Bible
There are times when we need to proclaim what the Lord has done for us. We can be easily overwhelmed by our situations, but when we remind ourselves of what God has done in the past, we build a confidence for what he will do now. Speak of the things that God has done in your past; you will find the strength that you need to go forward.
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Woah! Is this me or what? (I hope some of you may say the same thing. About yourself, though. Or me, that's fine) It's like that awesome song by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in "White Christmas"- 'Count Your Blessings'.
I need to remind myself of the blessings I have. I need to remember the good stuff God has done in my life. Yes, I have a 3 page resume, which scares the poo out of many potential employers. But if they look at the big picture, God has provided me those jobs, those various opportunities, to keep working and to earn a paycheck. I have done a lot of different things. Sometimes I shutter at my lengthy resume. Most of the time though I am thankful. Thankful that God has given me the many opportunities He has! I've gotten to test outdoor power equipment! I have gotten to scrub toilets in 5 different Vermont State Parks! I have gotten to do lights for musicals, symphonies, and dramatic plays! I have used a floor buffer! I have gotten to teach a few kids of various ages how to swim & float! I have taught Vermont Natural History, cranberry science experiments, spelling, reading, math, how to change the oil in a DR trimmer! I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, a car, and most of all a family (and friends) who love me! Blessings!
Whether you believe in God or not, you too can count your blessings. We all have a lot of them!
