Always Right On Time

Wow, where do I begin-and how can I make this as short as I can at almost 3:00 am (you all know I can get long-winded in my writing)?! Well, let me start with the most important thing: My 35th birthday!

A week ago exactly, on August 1st, I brought in my birthday with family and friends. As one trusted confidant explained to me the week previous to my birthday, I had reached the half-way point of life; age 70 is the age many live up to, as I was told. Thinking of that shook me up for a brief moment, but then I began to think on how reaching my 35th birthday at this day in age is a blessing. There have been so many deaths of our peers that it makes you appreciate things about your life and reflect on the good and the not so good.

Outside of a celebration of life, I was celebrating more blessings that came my way during my birthday week. Since I have began these blogs, my mood has been up and down as I have dealt with the loss of employment during these trying times, relationships (or lack there of), etc. When the week started I was receiving a call EVERY DAY from places I had applied for positions months back. I had one interview that week and scheduled an interview for the following week. By the time I began my birthday celebration two days early, I was offered a FT job with the State that will last at least a year! I did not even have to interview for it again- I just was asked to take a drug test.
Also, after being turned down twice for a teaching position from my former place of employment, I had my second interview for a teaching position with another institution in writing and composition, and I have a wonderful feeling about this one. I felt no fear as I stood in front of the group I performed my demonstration for; it just came naturally for me, in addition to the fact that I had some angels who helped prepare me for this opportunity. I thought how weird that this preparation was not there the past couple of times I applied for a teaching position, but then I realized that that place was not meant for me to work there anymore. Next week on Monday I should hear back about this evening part-time teaching position, which I will gladly accept. What a feeling to look back at where I was months ago, and then think about my faith and belief in God and what blessings He had (and has) in store for me.

I, from personal experience, know how hard it is to keep that faith when you know all the hard work you put in to overcome obstacles that seem to never let up and try to stay positive only to have others seem to let you down or not be fully supportive. I had been in this position of not being employed before and going through the whole job search grind, but this time was a little different in both bad and good ways.
The bad included not landing many interviews during the six-and-a-half month period of constantly looking and applying for work, and having some days where I could not afford gas to drive from one end of town to the other. The good, most importantly, included not having a bit of worry like the old Shanika would have had when the thought of taking care of my bills came to mind; God always made a way for me to take care of what I needed to from month to month. My relationship with Him (praying and reading my bible more) also grew stronger. For some, going through such trials can cause one to question why such things happen, and then may cause some to lose their faith and belief in Him. I knew, though, that He would not have me go through anything that I could not handle. Do not get me wrong though; there were moments I shed some tears of frustration and asked why me, but within minutes I would be fine again. I have learned some valuable lessons over the past few months (and then some) so now the plan is to continue leaning on Him as I experience these blessings and prepare for the many more that are yet to come. I know things are about to change for the better in all areas of my life, and I am ready for these blessings that have my name stamped on them.

I can go on and on about my birthday weekend, which was fabulous and went even better than planned-from the awesome comedy show in Grand Rapids, the time with family and friends in Muskegon, the socializing with my Sands, Sorors and friends in Detroit on my actual birthday (ending with a wonderful time at a friend's house party/BBQ), to church and brunch-but I can come back to that another time. The message for this blog is staying prayerful, positive and faithful, and remembering that your plan may not always work. He may not always answer or come when you want Him, but He is always right on schedule....remember that. Until next time, take care...
Oh, and let me also say thank you to all of you who have genuinely been a part of my support system during these times; I have not forgotten or overlooked that.