After being unemployed for the better part of a year, I was blessed with a new job. It's the job I wanted. I prayed for this job.
I had doubts that I would get the job, at first, because I went through some struggles during the application process. I had to reschedule my interview because of some unforeseen circumstances, then the company's administrator said that they were having problems verifying my references, and then they requested documentation that I didn't have in my possession and had a bit of a hard time retrieving.
The process was long and vigorous and I wondered on a couple occasions if they had pushed my application aside. I had to push those negative thoughts out of my mind and I kept my sights on the position, believing it was mine.
In the mean time, I had started another job, all the while praying that the job I wanted would be mine. I was mega excited when I checked my voice mail on my lunch break and heard the message that my application packet had been approved. I resigned from my place holder job without hesitation and began my new one a few days later.
The new position is with the state of Florida and is very demanding. I have to deal with difficult people and situations on a daily basis and there are times when impatience and frustration take over, making the situation quite stressful.
I recently became impatient with someone I was working with because the person was unable grasp a concept and kept asking me the same question over and over again. In my frustration, I snapped at the person. With all the patience and understanding I should have shown, the person asked me not to get upset and explained that they just didn't understand. I immediately felt bad that I had reacted that way and knew that I had to reevaluate myself.
I try to treat people the way I want to be treated and asked myself if I would I want someone to get impatient with me when I didn't understand? The answer is no! I would be grateful if they were patient enough to take the time to help me understand. I realized that I had to take a deep breath and commit myself to being kind and courteous at all times, no matter what.
I believe this is the reason I've been blessed with my job. I believe that I am there to learn the importance of showing patience, empathy and understanding with everyone and in every situation. I believe that God is preparing me to use these qualities for whatever purpose He is leading me towards. That purpose will require me to be able to separate myself from my feelings and practice self control.
God is preparing me for a time when my reaction to a particular situation will determine the course of its outcome. He's making me stronger. He's making me wiser and preparing me to put these virtues to use.
I thank God for my challenging new position because He is using it to equip me with everything I need to do what He is leading me to do. I'm working on my purpose.
