Highs & Lows - Ebb & Flow

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."

~Bruce Barton

It's been a wild May so far. And I debated whether to share all of what's going on in my life (now, "our lives"), but I also don't want to pretend like every day is always a happy day. Sometimes there is pain, confusion, and struggles. That's just another part of life.I have to say that since Baby Mason's birth, I have definitely reprioritized and reassessed what is truly important; this prepared me to handle adversities I now face. I suppose the way you handle a challenge reflects your outlook on life. Thankfully God is perfect and He equipped me for this month of May so far.

Friday, May 1st I received difficult news that I was being laid-off. Having been back from Maternity Leave not even a full month, needless to say I was in shock. After a 45 minute phone conversation from the company sharing this news, I was loaded with my many questions. But with some still unanswered, I realized I needed to put together a plan of action for finding new employment. God has always provided. He has always given me the strength to overcome. Today is no different.

On Tuesday, May 5th, my downstairs air compressor went out and I had to have the entire unit replaced. Thank you God that I'd invested in a home warranty. For only a $60 trade service fee, I was able to "cover" for the labor and materials. I'm not sure what would have been done otherwise.

Tuesday was also my 28th Birthday. I was still down in the dumps from the last week's news, but thankfully I had plenty of family and friends loving on me and wishing me sweet birthday wishes. The day had been a little rough as I hadn't felt I'd accomplished much in my 'new job': the job of finding a new job; however, I was able to end the day topping off with a wonderful Birthday dinner with my closest chickies, Jamie and Bethany.

On Wednesday, May 6th I had to take Mason into the Pediatrician's office because for the past few days and one day the week prior, he had been sleeping excessively. My child went from an average of 10 hrs of sleeping to 18 hrs. And he had shown signs of lethargy which scared me and caused the nurse to urge me to see Dr. C. Thankfully we found that Mason is perfectly healthy, is remaining in the 50th percentile weight-wise (13lbs) and all the tests came out "clear." It gave me peace of mind and I am so thankful he's not sick.

At the end of the week, I still feel at peace. God has some great adventure in store for Mason and I. And He will show us how He continues to provide and bless us.

Praises:

• Mason is fully healthy...and growing like a weed. I love this little guy!
• My downstairs air conditioning is replaced and thus runs much more efficiently (saving me $) now. AND my home warranty covered this service.
• Mason's birth father is finally beginning to help with a portion of Mason's expenses.
• I love my family, friends, church community, and neighbors. My family checks in every day to make sure they encourage and support me through this job search. My tight circle of closest friends have gifted me with the most thoughtful and encouraging gifts, e-mails, calls, and offers of support. My church community has done the same and prays for me along with connecting me to members who offer career assistance and entree into companies. My neighbors have helped me update and revise my resume as well as counsel me through this process. All of this has been invaluable.
• God is opening doors through friends' connections, recruiters, and my business network.
• There were 2 phone interviews last week with continuing dialogue for in-person interviews to be scheduled today-tomorrow.
• I'm strategically disseminating my resume to key contacts who will personally place my resume in the hands of key hiring managers and executives {a growing list of 11 companies within the relo industry and 3 outside through friends' connections}

There is an ebb and flow to life, change is inevitable. That's life. But God is constant.

His goodness and love is constant...

PRAISE HIM!

_____________________

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20