Well, during my time at Moody the Lord has taught me what it means to be a leader and to take on responsibilities that I never thought before coming to Moody that I could take on if it was not for the strength He provided me with to accomplish the given task. I would like to explain what I mean by providing you, my dear readers, a few examples of places God has put me in order that my faith muscles might be stretched and my confinement in Jesus Christ would grow.
Also, before I go any further in my blog there are a few things I would kindly clarify (to whatever extent I can in blog post): (1) the goal of my postings are meant to reflect what God is teaching me about myself, what I am learning about Him and others, etc.; (2) this is a safe place (I feel) for me to process what is on my mind in hopes that the the Lord will use it in another's life; and (3) I ask for your grace when (and I am sure it will probably happen) my posts do not make too much sense, when I do not use proper grammar, or whatever other mishaps you may come across (I am trying to get over the fact that I am not perfect and cannot fear what man might think of me). While I know most of you reading my blog will not judge me, I would, also, ask that you would be in prayer for me as I write my blog posts. My ultimate purpose in continuing my blog is to bring God glory in my writing, so that it can touch others lives (or so I pray that it does).
With that ground being covered, I would like to discuss with you one way this year (out of many, of course!) that God has stretched my faith. In October of 2013, I started to work at the Dailey Method (a barre studio). I never heard of this exercise studio until I read about it in an e-mail I got from Kgrace Childcare (a babysitting agency). I was looking through my e-mails one day in fall, and I came across an e-mail in from Kgrace that read something along these lines: The store owners from The Dailey Method in Lincoln Park are looking for part-time people to be of assistance as the front desk staff member or as a caretaker in the children's room. I was so excited to "hear" about this job opportunity! As some of my friends know, I enjoy working out because (1) it is a amazing stress reliever and (2) I find it freeing to exercise, especially when I go on long or short distance runs (I will go into more about the importance of running in my life hopefully in another post because it is one of the many ways God has brought healing in my life from past trauma). Quickly, I e-mailed the store manager and told her that I would be interested in a job position at the Dailey Method. I anticipated the response from the studio manager since I was anxious to learn more about the Dailey Method.
Thankfully, the manager got back to me and asked when I would be available for an interview. I was thrilled to read that she wanted to interview me! Without hesitation, I e-mailed her back with a time and day, which, sadly, ended up changing for a few weeks due to unforeseen circumstances. However, by God's providence I eventually had a set time I was planning on meeting with her. Once I arrived, at the studio I was amazed to see how open and peppy it looked (yes, I said peppy, which is another term for fun!). As I further scanned the studio and the people, I became even more excited at the thought of me having the opportunity to work there. Eventually, the manager sat down and she asked me a few questions about myself: What is my major in school? What do you like to do for your free time? Once I answered those questions, as well as a host of others I was asked the question, "Why would you like to work at the Dailey Method"? At first I did not know what to say other than I find pleasure in exercising because it strengthens by body, so I would like to work in a place where I could, if given the opportunity, be an instructor for classes, be a front desk worker, or be a childcare provider in the kid's zone. In any way I could, with whichever job I would be given, I wanted to encourage women (and occasionally men) to live healthy lives by engaging in physical exercise. Proceeding my response, the manager said she was in need of front desk staff, so she would like to offer me that position. I accepted the offer. Just to give you a bit of a teaser now, I could not have imaged what God had in store for me after I had made that decision.
My new manager (and just so I do not have to keep writing "my manager", I will giver her the name Nat), Nat, showed me all the responsibilities I would be in charge of as front desk worker. Each responsibility did not seem too overwhelming until she explained to my that I would need to answer incoming calls and call back clients who left voicemails. I knew that when I had initially accepted this job I would need to talk with clients as I checked them in for their designated class; however, I was frightened to think I had to muster up confidence, which I did not have much of at the time, to talk to strangers over the phone. This, indeed, would be a part of my job that I would learn to trust God with. From that first day of training until now I am encouraged to see the way in which God saw my fears and how He has lovingly showed me I can trust Him with everything--even as I simply picked up a phone to talk to another I probably have never met before.
Over the course of several months of being an employee at the Dailey Method, I have formed friendships with dear co-workers who make me laugh, remind me of the power of prayer, as well as remind me of the darkness of sin that lurks within each human beings. I ask the Lord constantly while I am at work, How do You want me to minister to this co-worker today? How can I be praying for this co-worker or client(s) who seem to be struggling with depression? There are so many more questions that come to mind, but in everything, as I previously noted, I have learned that I need to trust God to guide my answers, or somehow speak through me as I quietly sit and listen to another as they verbally confess their emotional pains.
I would like to end this post with a brief prayer: Oh, Father, how I have enjoyed being an ambassador for you at the Dailey Method, but some days I grow weak. Abba, I need you to speak through me as I talk to clients and co-workers. And as I listen, in tune my heart with Yours, so that I may take part in the pains and joys of another. I recognize that it is not I who live, but Jesus Christ who lives in me (Gal. 2:20). Continue to impress this truth on the tablet of my heart--both now and forevermore. All glory and honor belong to You--my King and my Lord!
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