I send out a lot of job applications for positions within my career. For positions outside of my skill level, and qualifications. For positions underneath my education level. For any position that will move me further away from my current occupation and closer to my dream job.
There is nothing wrong with being a server in the restaurant industry.
I work with many people who have been in the industry for over 10, 15 and even 20 years. They are very dedicated and proud of what they do, and aim to be the best at their practice. They take what they do seriously, and they are proud and unashamed of their job. They are very talented, and I try to glean as much as I can from them.
I've been in this industry for three years. How I was able to begin working at a exclusive, expensive, fine dining steak house, is unknown to me. Because I'm really not that talented at serving tables, I make mistakes, I've spilled bottles of wine that compete with my rent price, and I get tired and completely exhausted half way through the night.
In general, the more someone pays for something the more they expect it to be perfect. So when they come to see us, they expect perfection. Which can be pretty stressful if you let it get to you.
Most of the time my job leaves me exhausted. Mentally, and physically. It's not strenuous physical labor, but it is constant movement.
In the mornings I apply for jobs, in the evening I go into work. I forget how many applications a week I send out, until I get the rejection letters back. Then I become impressed with just how many applications I sent! And slightly defeated by reading the various 'thank you for your application' 'we have decided to go with another applicant' 'there was a surprising amount of qualified individuals applying for'... the list goes on.
The day before Thanksgiving I received an email from a University that I really wanted to work at. I saw it pop up on my phone, and I thought why would they want to send me bad news the day before Thanksgiving? This is the worst. Then I read the email. I'd made it on to the next round of application, they liked me. So now I am finalizing my application, gathering documents, asking for references.
I have been elated.
This week I have my Texas State teachers exam, its required to teach high school here in Texas. I had so many 'no thank yous' from job applications, I thought maybe I was looking in the wrong direction. Maybe this isn't the door God wants me to open. So I've been looking into applying at the High School that I volunteer with for Young Life. And, it could still be the place where God wants me to serve. There were no other doors opening, so I decided if that is his will for me I will do it. I am not as passionate about teaching high school, I would much rather teach college. But I am not in the mood to ignore Gods plan or agenda for me, I have done that, I have been there, and my plans never work out. Sometimes they feel like they are working out, but they go down in flames eventually.
When I got word that I had made it on to the next round of candidacy for the position at the University I felt like Abraham getting ready to sacrifice his son Issac, and then God sent out a goat instead. I just thought, God knows the desire of my heart.
And even if this is not the direction of my life, I know that God is working things out in the mess of my life and preparing my heart for joyful service for him. Because I have not been offered a job yet, they still have time to say no thank you, there are other applicants, try again later.
I'm just so happy to be in this position.
and if not, my soul will praise God.
