This weekend I decided to re-read a book that I received in 1983. In August 1983 a lady named Judy (I do not even remember her last name) presented me with a book entitled Yes by Ann Kiemel. Judy's opening message was about surrendering my life to Jesus and then she wrote "Phil 4:4-9". I remember reading the entire book back in 1983.
This weekend, 26 years later (ouch!) I've decided to read this book again. The different perspective is very intriguing. I face very, very different life situations now. When I first read the book I was young, not even 18, wanting a boyfriend, and involved in church. Now, I'm 43, have been married 24 years, and have a 23 year old daughter and I"m working full-time while I also work full-time on a PhD.
Before I get into one passage that causes me to pause, I want to explore the verse:
4: Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice!
5: Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and
petition,with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
7: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heartsand
your minds in Christ Jesus.
8: Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy--think about such things.
9: Whatever you have learned or received, or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
This seems to underscore nicely with the actual passage the author has written that jumped out at me:
YES to God was staying put. finding happiness where i was. and the next year turned out to be my best...my finest hour so far. in grades. relationships. leadership opportunities. being recognized as a significant, worthwhile person. saying NO to my present situation would have cheated me out of all the surprises that were just up ahead. "If you love ME, you will obey ME."
As I face two job situations, I wonder what this passage speaks to me. The first job, Assistant Vice President for Student Life Studies is already in the works. 61 applicants for the position total and three were selected for phone interviews. I was part of that group. Unfortunately I am #3 and the committee has decided to interview only #1 and #2. I'm actually ok with this because I do believe if the Lord wants me in the role, both those applicants will be an obvious non-fit choice, or one of them will be excellent, get the job, and I will learn a great deal from them. I'd love to work with someone who is excellent and knowledgable who could take my learning in the area to the highest possible level.
The second situation I face however, if an interview on Tuesday with Baylor (Dallas, SON) for the Director for Student Success Initiatives. This job appears to be a dream. It is a great blend between Student Lfie and Academic Affairs. I would have the opportunity to work with the student success knowledge my doctoral work has provided, possibly even use the resilience, self-efficacy, and other emotional/social intelligence constructs to help students be more successful.
At the same time, I will work with an amazing group of men and women, students, and faculty to establish a success center like the one established for all of BU back when we were working with Noel-Levetz and working so intentionall on the retention rate-desiring to move it from an 84% rating to 94%.
How blessed am I to even have the opportunity to seek God's counsel for these opportunities. I am so thankful. I am in awe. I am worried too that I don't know what to do. I read the passage above: "staying put" but yet I have peace and excitement when I think of the BU SON opportunity.
In the days that come I will be spending a ton of time in prayer, seeking God's will, listening for the voice, and giving thanks and praise that I have been blessed beyond measure.
