...are NOT from us! Planning for the future with a new baby on the way has us thinking about plans - birth plans, childcare plans, and financial plans. It has been interesting to see the Lord's plans play out for us over the past year or so...or even a couple years. Obviously, in hindsight, it all makes sense. But along the way, things weren't as clear - or didn't seem to be, in our own terms.
The other day at work, I came across a newspaper article in my boss's folder. It was slightly yellowed already, but I couldn't find a date anywhere on it. The article featured the church I now attend. Based on an event mentioned in the article, I speculate that the article was published in early 2007. My boss usually cuts out articles about new business in Lexington or start-up churches and makes contact in some form or fashion to see if it's a possible lead. I'm not sure how far he got with this article, but I do know that we just finished the work of renovating that church this year.
In 2007, when the article would have been printed, I was getting ready to graduate college and had no knowledge of my current employer. I started working for a local painting company. After about 1 1/2 years, I gave 3 months notice to my boss in 2008 that I would be leaving. When my 3 months were up, I had no job prospects. I had put my resume out on websites, applied to numerous positions and had not had ONE interview. With a degree and a little bit of experience, this seemed odd. I stayed on a little longer on part time basis at that point - but this was really a lack of faith in God providing financially. I should have quit at the end of the 3 months.
I remained unemployed for the month of November - again, no interviews or prospects. I went to two temp agencies and submitted applications - one never called me for anything after going in for an interview. The other had me in for an interview and already had a possible opportunity. She told me it was with a construction company. Wow - I thought - that sounds a lot like painting and I'm not really interested in that AT all. Been there done that. BUT - wise as I try to be - I told her I would at least interview for it at this point.
The morning of my interview, I called my contact at the temp agency to get the name of the company again so I could Google it. Lo and behold, this company did a little more than just commercial construction. They worked with a national organization called Building God's Way that provided services to Christian churches and schools to help them grow, fund and build their ministries. Specifically, this company helped build and even discussed doing ministry on the job site. I was sold then and definitely intrigued!
As they say, the rest is history. I went to the interview and met a wonderful lady and it was the best interview. She arrived in very casual clothing - a plus. She was friendly and talkative. We got along really well and before I knew it, an hour had passed. She said she would call me after she talked to the owner of the company.
Later the SAME day, she called and asked if I could come to the office to meet the owner. Of course I agreed. I had learned at the interview that the office played Christian music most of the time, and I found this to be true. Additionally, I met the owner and found some things we had in common. He mentioned he went to Southland Christian Church. Seeking common ground, I mentioned that I actually participated in their ministry involving strip clubs. While I didn't get to hear the whole story, he just mentioned that the ministry had a special place in his heart. We also knew a couple of the same people as well. I met his brother that day (another owner), his daughter and a couple others at the office. He made it clear that certain behaviors, while usually frowned upon as interview material, if participated in would probably mean I wouldn't fit in well in the office environment. It sounded spectacular to me!
The next day, or thereabouts, the temp agency called to offer me a position with that company. The pay was slightly lower that desired, but I KNEW this was the job. I had been praying constantly for a job, and that the Lord would make it clear for me how I was to follow His plans. With this being the only interview I was offered and then to receive a job offer, I didn't need much more confirmation. But as I started my job in December, I received plenty of confirmation that God had planned this whole thing out.
First, I knew right away that my company needed to talk to my in-law's church (now my church) and I put the two in contact. Through more of God's work, the project went from new construction to renovation, included us joining the church, and finally we're finishing the punch list as we speak on those changes. Second, I learned more about my boss's past and his affection for the strip club ministry. When I was talking to him about the clubs I had visited, I learned that decades ago he had OWNED one of those clubs. He had been the BOSS of the lady who founded the ministry to the clubs - they had since reconciled. He eventually turned his life over to Jesus (also decades ago), started doing things His way, and over time became a mentor to some of the owners/managers that we served food to in the clubs. Other small things popped up as well - like when I needed time off days after starting there because my mom was having a medical procedure. Not only did I get the time off, they called to check on me and offered prayer for my mom. Plus, our Christmas party that year was laser tag!
In so many ways, God showed me that I had been taken care of. It wasn't in the way I thought it would be or should be. But, I saw the consequences of NOT being obedient right away and not having full faith in His provisions. And, I saw how He customizes our paths to be just what we need and when we need it - NEED, not want, and this is according to His plans, not our own.
Just something I thought should be shared, as we can't take credit for where we are in life when God's in control. I have more stories to share about the house we're living in now as well, but for another day. I'll go back to baby updates and pictures next time - I have baby shower pictures to share and another doctor's appointment Wednesday. Until then....
