Monday Morning on Planet Earth

Good morning. Hope y’all had a terrific weekend. Thanks for returning! I’m still getting into the swing of being an official blogger.

Monday mornings are much different for me than they used to be. For my entire career, I’ve worked in office administration serving in a support role. I’ve had some awful jobs over the years. I’ve had some great ones, too. Presently, I have neither. I’m unemployed.

Well, sort of.

Beautiful area of the country here but jobs aren’t exactly plentiful. I recently calculated that out of the last 21 months I’ve lived here (moved from Nashville, TN), I’ve only worked full time collectively for about seven months – except for my own business. More on that in a minute.

When I put it that way, sounds pretty scary. Actually, no matter how I put it, sounds scary, me thinks. I’ve been out of work before, maybe a few weeks, or a couple of months. But I always worked as a “temp” during the gaps. This is the first time in my career that traditional options haven’t proven successful. I’m hardly independently wealthy. I do need to work.

Yet I realized something this morning. I’m not independently poor either.

Fact is I’m not “independently” anything. My life is hidden with Christ in God. I’m dependent on Him.
While the job market has been lean – though it does seem to be picking up – I’ve believed from the start that there is more to my unemployment than merely lack of work. For each month that passes, God’s activity becomes more conspicuous. I see He’s working in my life; just not clear what He’s doing necessarily. Every time I’ve gotten a bit discouraged, though, “something” happens that makes me see He’s right there with me. Not gonna let me fall. God is a God of His word. Takes good care of His people. He’s sure taken care of me. The numbers just don’t add up on paper but I’m really okay.

Sure been a faith-stretching time though.

Something else though. I’m beginning to think God may be redirecting me – actually have suspected this for some time. Almost two years ago, I started working as a freelance marketing assistant to my good friend and Christian novelist, Brandilyn Collins. Then in November of 2004, I also started working for Christian novelist Terri Blackstock. Since then, the Lord has gradually been adding to my clientele. Recently I decided to make my business official and became the sole proprietor of Word Count, providing administrative marketing assistance to Christian authors.

I am still looking for full time work. I am still open to working temporary. I am also open to Word Count growing to full time. May be a combination. It’s His choice. How could I possibly know what’s “best” for me? I can only see so far. God has all the information. Meanwhile, I pursue every opportunity that presents itself. I am prepared that the phone may ring here in a few moments from my temp agency. In that case, I’ll quickly dress and be on my way. I will also send out a few resumes to the companies that posted openings this weekend.

But since God has also graciously provided a new project through Word Count, I may sit here quietly at my computer. And in between all this, I’m learning several software programs to broaden my skill base to my clients or position me better within the job market.

I have lots to do today. One way or another, I’m always employed by the King!

Never been in a season like this. Not quite the routine I’ve been used to historically. I’ve also never thought of myself as the entrepreneurial type. But maybe I am. I’m not sure how this day will play out let alone this season. But I have to say. I’m excited!

Have a great day.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)