The only thing that stays the same…
…is things change!
If you’ve been here a while, you might remember this graphic when I left the classroom into public education administration, where I’ve been the last 7+ years. I’ve always believed the road to be winding, never intended to be straight, and to lead where God calls in every season. This has led me to another change in life.
After much thought and prayer, I have “retired” from public education and returned to corporate work. As I was completing my Principal certification classes and looking toward what was next in a career path for me I began to feel really unsettled, and uncertain this was actually the way I should go. Of course, having made a recent ISD change, I felt like I needed to stay where I was for the purpose of “not jumping around”. Then I was reminded over and over, obedience and opportunity doesn’t always look like what everyone else thinks it should, nor how they comment about what your path looks like.
I put those lies to the side and began reaching out to my network of friends; people I had attended grad school with, personal friends, and former colleagues with questions about a potential return to corporate work. In the 10 years since I left and began teaching I earned my MBA, got married, moved, and the world of work has significantly changed. I knew the skills I had, the type of work I really liked, and what I was looking for if I was going to make a move – remote work with no commuting. Quickly, I started having conversations with people who were hiring and where my skills would be a fit.
In the meantime….
I listened to a few podcasts that really spoke to me about change in seasons, obedience to where God calls you and fulfilling your purpose. None of them were intentionally chosen, just the regular podcasts I listen to and the guests they happened to have. One particular episode, the guest said “God doesn’t call you vocationally to do one thing the rest of your life; when He calls us He will equip us, using the gifts and talents that we have.” And, then…”one thing about God, nothing is wasted in His economy. You might have a job from 20 years ago, it’s all going to come back around, nothing you do is wasted.”. Thank you Paula Faris for these words. They spoke directly to me while on my morning commute and while I was in the process of interviewing to return to where I worked 20 years ago.
Only God.
I could have easily let the “expectations of the world” drive me, but I would have missed what He really had planned for me. So, I kept moving forward, one step at a time. Three months and a few days later from the first phone calls I had, I returned to EY, a place I worked and loved from 2001-2004. The place where my boss is still the one I reference when someone talks about you really only work for one or two great bosses in your life. She was a catalyst to me developing skills I never knew I could have, and the road I’ve walked in my career. Through operations, software sales, teaching and administration, I’m now returning to a team laser focused on transformation. Really, if I hadn’t been down this road, I wouldn’t understand transformation, but when I left, God knew one day I would return and He has kept His eye on me for all of these years.
Many of these conversations with God happened right between this view…in fact, since I crossed 50K miles on my car in 2020, I kept asking the Lord about when I could quit commuting. I thought He was opening doors for me to work in our local community in 2021, but that wasn’t the door for me. I asked him to open a door before 75K miles, but nothing came through. As I was approaching 100K miles, I kept asking and listening to where God would have me to go. Certain that there was purpose in these miles, and my prayers weren’t on deaf ears, but the timing wasn’t right. As of 102,294 miles I officially parked in the garage having driven my last work day as a daily commuter. Sure, there will be times I drive into the office, or a client site, but the majority of my work will take place right from my home office. I never knew it would take 50K miles, but won’t He do it!
After a couple of weeks of transition, I’ve had my first day and am getting used to being at home for work. Auggie has quickly and seamlessly adjusted to work from home life!
We recently celebrated with dinner out, including dessert with a surprise sparkler. More than anything, I celebrate the faithfulness of God through all of the seasons of my life. He continues to hem me in, behind and before, and lay His hand upon me, (Psalm 139:5), opening and closing the doors intended for me. I’ve long said obedience comes in the lane that is mine, not from looking to the right or left, and God continues to show me His faithfulness when I’m laser focused on my lane.
If you’re in similar shoes and trying to find your way, seek Jesus, His purpose for you will come to be, it might take a few miles, or it might take 50,000. No matter what, His timing is perfect and He is faithful every step of the way. Cheers to the road ahead!
Blessings,
Angie
My heart is bursting and singing in happiness for you! You are a gift no matter where you serve! 🙂
Thank you so much!! I love watching your journey and where the road is leading you! So much good work!
Funny thing is … I was just having this conversation TODAY with another friend about my great friend who is a great host and servant that changed my faith when I met her… I said she really belongs in the home…. It was you ! So fitting to read this TODAY. Thank you God for leading us to where you would have us. ❤️
Ahhh. Thank you for sharing – I love how God works. And, looking forward to seeing y’all!!
Praise the Lord!!
Thank you, friend!