Jackson is a co-manager at WalMart. Since he first decided to work his way up in management, his goal was to be a store manager. He has worked hard and impressed many, and is 1 promotion away from the store manager position.
As believers, we believe God has a plan. We also believe that God is working in our family here in St. Joe. For me, I am happy right where we are, but I know that Jackson wants to be promoted. So I pray. Every time he hears of an opening, I pray. When he gets chosen to do an interview, I pray. I pray for him, I pray for those making the decision, and I pray for us to follow God's will. I pray that we will know the right opportunity for him and for our family.
At some point recently, I realized that praying for a promotion within WalMart might be focusing too much on our wants, or what we think the future should be, not what God has in store for us. I can't say exactly when, but I started praying for a change. I prayed that if a store manager wasn't the direction Jackson should go, a door would open for him. I prayed about the possibility of another company. I prayed that he would get a change. I also prayed for us to be open, for me to be open to different possibilities. For 13 years, I have envisioned our future with Jackson working as a store manager. Maybe that isn't what is in the future for us, and I prayed we would see that. Or, maybe it is what our future will look like, but just not right now. So I prayed for patience. I, also, prayed prayers of thanks for my husband who works so hard and allows me to stay home primarily.
2 weeks ago Jackson received a call. They wanted him to be part of a high-profile project team in Bentonville, Arkansas- WalMart home office- about 5 hours away. Of course, I was wanting to play the part of the supportive wife, so I said yes, go the 6 weeks. We can make it. A few days later, he finds out the 6 weeks is actually 11 weeks! Yikes!
Change.
I had been praying most recently for change. A change for Jackson in his job. Not quite the change I was thinking of. I was thinking store manager of Kohl's, Target, a grocery store, not really thinking a change in location without us. I never once considered the change might leave me home alone with 4 kids. He will be able to come home on the weekends, but still... 11 weeks by myself. Running to and from school, church and activities. Can I do it? Can I handle this type of change?
Of course I can. I have to let go of the self-doubt. I have to believe that I am strong enough to handle this challenge. I have to remember that I prayed for a change, and I can pray for help. I prayed for patience, and I will continue to pray for patience. I prayed prayers of thanks, and I will continue those, as well. I don't have family in town, but I have family an hour away and church family and great friends. I have a network of people who love us. And this isn't about me. This is about a great opportunity that was given to my husband. This is about a wonderful honor. This is about change, and love, and gratitude, and I can do it.
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