I have been reading and hearing a lot from church leaders that it is important to keep a journal. When I was young, I never missed a day. Now, it is good if I don't miss a year. I need to do better, but life is busy and when I think about it I am so tired. I need to make a new commitment and try to do better.
However, I wanted to quickly write today about seeing God's hand in my life. Work has not been easy the past 16 months with the migration to a new company, new supervisors, different views, different methods etc. I have struggled but have continued to say how grateful I am just to have a job. (I have two sons right now who do not and that is very hard - both financially as we are helping, and emotionally watching them go through it). However, I have not been happy at my job for quite a while. I feel unappreciated, left out, lonely and the days are so long. I had interviewed a couple of places but nothing came of it so I had kind of put it in the back of my mind.
Then about a month ago, my dear friend from the temple texted me about a new job where she worked at BYU. She said I should really apply and her boss was hoping I would. I had interviewed there before with no luck so was hesitate to do it again. However, I thought why not. I put in my application and was told I was one of the top candidates. I had my first interview which I felt went very well. My friend, La, told me I did awesome (she was in the interview) and that I should be excited. Two days later, I was invited back again for an interview with the dean and was one of two candidates that gets that interview. I was so stressed. I was not telling anyone about this but my immediate family and I was trying not to get my hopes up. Rob had given me blessings to rely on the Lord and to be calm. I left the second interview almost in tears. I had gotten so hot during the interview, I had to stop my conversation to regain composure. I was putting all my faith in the Lord and even fasted that day. I did not feel good about it. However, Jennie, the supervisor of the position, walked me out and said they really liked me. I was told if I was selected I would get an email requesting permission to do a background check. This email only goes to one of the two candidates. I went home, hopeful, but again trying not to get too excited.
The next day, I got an email while at work. I immediately ran outside and called Rob. I had the job! I could not believe it. I was so stocked and it was hard to go back inside and not say anything. Then the next week, the dean was on vacation, so I had to wait almost ten days for an offer letter. Jennie called me the Monday he was back and extended me an offer. I had to ask her twice what she said. The amount they were giving me was higher than the job application had said the top pay would be. I was going to be making almost 20% more than I was and the benefits were outstanding. How could I say no. Rob totally agreed so an offer was signed.
It was somewhat hard to tell my company that I was leaving. I have a good team and they were the ones that were totally shocked. They could not believe it and kept asking me if I was sure. The last day they made me feel like a queen with lunch, a plant and a road trip to Dairy Queen for milkshakes. I did tear up when I left them. I know they will do well, but they have been there for me over the transition.
As I think about this, there is no doubt in my mind, that this is what I am supposed to do. I did not seek this job, it was given to me. I did not ask for a raise (I was willing to take less actually), but I got one. I will have the best benefits in the state that include 47 days a year of PTO, sick and holidays. I can go to classes and events for free. I can work with a great friend and other faculty and be happy again. I start tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve so excited to see what the next day has to offer. I am beyond grateful to my Heavenly Father for this opportunity. I know it was His hand that made this possible. I will be forever grateful!
One more benefit is they are still allowing me to take a 10 day vacation in just over a month. We have a Mediterranean Cruise planned with two of my kids and many siblings. They are even going to pay me while I am gone.
Life is good. It still has it moments of struggles and hardships, but I now that if I rely on my Heavenly Father, He will guide me. I love giving back to him in the temple every week as an ordinance worker. It is hard to believe I have been doing that for over four years. My children are well. Dreams are unfulfilled and as their mother I put a lot of that blame on myself. I pray daily they will have answers, jobs, spouses, friends, testimonies, strength and happiness. That is what this life is all about. How grateful I am to have Rob as my mentor and companion to walk together to eternity with.
Now, to try to get some sleep before the big day tomorrow. I can hardly wait!
