Unexpected Plans

As I have said in previous, if not all of my blogs, God's plan keep suprising me and when I believe that everything has been worked out something else comes into play. God definitely has a way at throwing things at me really fast. But God is infinitely wise and omniscient, who am I to tell Him otherwise.

Two weeks ago, August 11th, my Mom, sister-Stephanie, brother- Titus, and myself packed up two vehicles and drove to North Carolina. The purpose in coming was to get both sibling settled in for college at GWU. Little did I know the plans that God had made for me. The first couple days, everyone was asking what I would be doing with my life...and I said, "Not sure. It looks like the Lord is leading me to Trinidad for an opportunity there, but I don't know." While enjoying the time spent with family and friends, I received a phone call on Wednesday, August 15th. Let me tell you exactly how this phone call went.
Me- "Hello."
AP-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
AP-" Hello Tabitha, my name is ... and I am an assistant principal at FHS."
Me- "Ok."
AP- "We received your name from the county superintendent and are wondering if you would like to come in for an interview."
Me- "I am sorry, who is this?"
AP- "(chuckle)...FHS in NC.
Me- "Ohhh. Sorry. Ok. For what position."
AP- "We just opened up a Health/PE position. We need a female PE teacher. Would you come in for an interview?"
Me- "Sure. When would you like me to come?"
AP- "Well, how about today at 2?"
Me- "Today?! at 2:00? What time is it now?"
AP- "11:00am. Does that work for you? Sorry for the short notice."
Me- "Yes. That's fine. I will see you at 2:00pm, today."
AP- "We look forward to meeting you."

"What?!! What just happened?" I started shaking and couldn't really put words together. "Did FHS just call me? (Check my phone.) Yep. They really did. Oh wait...I don't have any interview clothes. Ahhh!!!"

I very quickly explained to my Mom and everyone what just happened, hopped in the car, and drove to JCPenney. Found interview clothes, borrowed my Mom's shoes, (since I didn't have any interview shoes either) and very quickly ate some lunch and got ready. The interview went really well. Immediately I liked the faculty and staff of the school. I could see myself fitting right in. After the interview I was told that they would contact me on Friday to let me know their decision. (Remember this interview was on Wednesday). Wednesday-Friday = maximum stress levels. "What if I get the job? What will I do? Where will I live? I don't even have enough clothes with me. Ugh..." Friday rolled around and nothing. I didn't here a thing. So my thinking was, "They told me they would call. They will call next week. Maybe they meant next Friday?" Friday-Sunday = maximum stress levels. During this whole time Matthew 6:34 would come to mind, " Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." And of course, I would still worry.

Monday came. I enjoyed spending time with a close friend/mentor of mine and on our way back home I received a phone call.
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Yes. How are you?"
P- "Doing well. Doing well. The reason I called was to tell you that we would like to interview you a second time. You are one of the people we would like to see again."
Me- "Thank you! When would you like me to come in again."
P- "Well, Let me get back to you on that. Sometime this week. I will call you back sometime soon. Hopefully later today or tomorrow."

Tuesday came and went. Wednesday came. Wednesday was shopping/spending time with a cousin of mine day. We decided to drive my car, so as I was pulling out of the driveway. I received a phone call. So I put the car back in the driveway and parked it and answered.

(Same starting conversation as before)
Me- "Hello."
P-"Yes, May I please speak with Tabitha Hamilton."
Me- "This is she."
P- "Hi Tabitha. This is ... Principal at FHS."
(My heart starts racing.)
Me- "Hi."
P- "Have you found a position yet?"
Me- "Well, no."
P- "Well then, I would like to know if you would like to become a Jaguar?"
Me- "Yes, I would love to!" (The whole time my mom is staring at me and I am mouthing to her "I got the job!" So of course, she hops out of the car and starts making phone calls and telling everyone.)     :)
P- "That sounds great! We are excited to have you on board. Now, when can you start?"
Me- "Tomorrow? Is that ok?"
P- "Yeah that sounds great! See you tomorrow around 7:45!"

"What just happened? I just got a job!"

To shorten this story a bit. I arrived at work on Thursday, Thursday night had open house, worked on Friday, and school starts on Monday. My life has changed in such a short time, yes I am overwhelmed, but very excited to start this new job with a great staff!

No matter what happens in life, know that God planned it for a reason. Even if our "plans" do not go as we "planned" them to, God just wants us to trust in Him to know the best for our future. I have learned and am still learning this principle.

God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die. What an amazing loving God we serve! Trust Him! Love Him! Live for Him! Allow Him to provide for the future!

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky. 

Waiting in Him

This summer I have learned so much. This past Friday was my last day working for SummerWorks. I worked with high school students from Omaha and taught them job skills, how to be a good employee, and hopefully life skills too. I absolutely loved it! Somethings that I knew before this job was that I enjoyed working with high school students. Now, after working with them all summer, I know that I really enjoy working with high school students.

God has also taught me how to trust in His timing. Like I mentioned in my last blog post, China fell through. A blessing in disguise, in that, I asked God for a "red flag" to not go and He gave me the largest "red flag" ever. Now, comes what He has been teaching and continues to teach me. "Trust in My timing, Tabitha. Not yours. Learn to wait patiently in Me." Let me tell you, this is the hardest thing to do. At times, which is about once a week, I just breakdown. "Why Lord?! I do not understand. Why do I feel like I have to live up to what everyone thinks I should do? Why can I not trust You and wait for Your timing? Why is life so difficult and with so many choices? What if I choose the wrong thing?"

The good thing is that I believe God gives us choices. The bad thing...God gives us choices. I want to make a decision right now, at this point in my life, where I will not regret not making a decision. Does this make any sense? Sounds even confusing to me as I read it. Oh well.

Psalm 62:5-8
My soul, wait silently for God alone, 
For my expectation is from Him.  
He only is my rock and my salvation;
HE is my defense;
I shall not be moved. 
 In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. 

I thank the Lord that He is my rock, salvation, defense, strength, and refuge. Without knowing Him I truly would be lost and not sure what to do with my life. I know that my life is lived so that I can give all the glory to Him in whatever I do!  

Still my soul be still 

And do not fear 

Though winds of change may rage tomorrow

 God is at your side 

No longer dread 

The fires of unexpected sorrow  

God You are my God 

And I will trust in You and not be shaken 

Lord of peace renew 

A steadfast spirit within me 

To rest in You alone  

Still my soul be still 

Do not be moved 

By lesser lights and fleeting shadows 

Hold onto His ways 

With shield of faith 

Against temptations flaming arrows  

Still my soul be still 

Do not forsake 

The Truth you learned in the beginning 

Wait upon the Lord 

And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming  

 

-Still, My Soul Be Still (Keith and Kristyn Getty)