"Well I'll be Dern!"

Said the mom to her 10 year old son, after he told her an interesting story.
"Marsha!" exclaimed Shawn, her 16 year old son.
"What?" said the mom, thinking she let a curse word slip.
"Did you just hear yourself?" said Shawn.

Apparently I am turning into a "hick". That's a country person with a funny accent. Both my boys got a kick out of hearing me slip up. Hey, it could have been worse. I could have dropped the "F" bomb. I'll settle for what Shawn calls "countryfied", if that's even a word. I don't know. I'm sure out here in the country anything is possible.

I asked a friend whose blog I read to visit today and read this post. I wanted to tell a story that sort of has something to do with what he's going through right now.

On December 5th I was hired by Sears as an appliance salesperson. I had applied for the job of cashier, which I knew I'd absoutely hate. But I needed benefits and the added income would be a bonus.

When I found out they thought I'd "fit" better in appliances, I thought they were crazy. What in the world was I going to do there?! I am not a salesperson. I was embarassed to even say where I worked! I had perceived all sales people as liars and beggars. I felt like I couldn't do this job because I didn't want to lie and I certainly didn't want to bother people in the same way I felt bothered when they approached me as a customer.

I took the job thinking that it wouldn't last long. I even applied for a job around the corner a few weeks into the Sears job thinking that the office job was what I wanted more.

All along I might add, I was talking to God and asking for direction in my life. I know that when I make the decisions without asking for help, I usually screw things up. God knows me best and I want to go in the direction HE wants me to go in. So...I didn't get the job at the office and I was upset. Why on earth would God want me to stay at Sears? I'm NOT a salesperson!

Well, after spending a bit of time there getting to know the 5 other people there, I find out through conversation that each one of them is a Christian. So what, you might think, but hey, I am a Christian too and having people in your life who believe the same, well it just makes a difference. They are great people to work with. The atmosphere is that of a family and not of co-workers all competing for the next sale. I know that if I have a problem, work related or personal, I can come to them and they will help me. A job like that is hard to find. I might add that as I hear conversations from the other employees in the store, they are all unhappy and complain alot. They also had their hours cut after the holidays and that has added to their frustration. I am glad I am not in the same positon as they are.

The whole point of all that is this...God knew what I needed in my life right now. He knew the struggles I am facing and that I'm facing them alone. Well, now I am not alone. If I had not taken this job, these people would not have been in my life. I have only known them for 6 weeks, and I already feel like a part of their family. And you know what? I am not a pushy salesperson, and the job isn't all that bad!

To my friend: I know that writing is what you love to do. I know that from reading your blog you are very good at it. I can also say that from reading your blog it didn't seem that you enjoyed your job very much.

You often wonder why your dreams aren't coming true as fast as you wish, or at all. Maybe they aren't meant to. Or maybe they are, but just in a different way. It's quite possible God has something better in store for your life and by keeping a one track view of your future, you're missing the opportunity to find out what your path truely is.

I see you struggle with many things that you write about. It hurts sometimes to read about your fears and worries. I know you have been drawn to a local church lately. There's a reason for that. Maybe the next step for you is to put Him to the test. Ask for what you need. Tell Him what you desire. The wait and see, expecting to get an answer. I think you just might be surprised at what happens. Just keep in mind you might not get the answer you expect. But I will be willing to bet you money that you WILL receive an answer. Good luck R.