Today was a unique day for me. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to work with a small, yet mighty team of people for the last six weeks. But as life can sometimes play out, I recently took a big left turn and accepted another position… Yes, so soon.
For those of you that have been following my personal career journey, back in April of 2016, after 16 years with an organization, I was laid off. It hit me hard. Even though I knew in many ways it was better for me not to work in that environment any longer, it certainly was a knockout punch! I spent weeks trying to readjust and settle in to a very different life. My house was never cleaner, my yard more kept and my green thumb became bright and fruitful. I even cooked more!
I was recently asked to do a presentation on significance. In preparation, I found a new book that I just started, titled, Trade Up, by Dean Niewolny. I can’t wait to share more about it with you. In the very first pages I found something I truly related to. Bob Buford, who many people know as the author of the incredible book, Halftime, said, “The NFL keeps a statistic known as YAC – yards after contact, or how far a running back covers after he’s hit.” He goes on to share that in our earlier years, we don’t think we can take a big hit and keep going. (How many times have we thought it was the end of the world!?!). Now we know better. Just like I learned after a short adjustment period last year, I could take the hit and keep pressing on.
In fact, the reason I took such an unexpected turn is because I believe with Gods timing and guidance, I am going back to work in the career and industry I previously spent over 30 years working in. Sort of a comeback. (I LOVE Danny Gokey’s new song, Comeback, by the way).
I’m sure as I look back on the various times I felt blindsided, hurt or very disappointed, that each time the pain stopped me in my tracks, I felt defeated. But only until I realized that I will always need Gods love and guidance to get me through. I’m ineffective at best and more likely hopeless without Him. I truly can’t imagine anyone going through this life alone, without knowing the steadfast grace, unconditional love and peace He gives.
In full transparency, I’ve also shared with you that it took work on my part not to lose hope and a daily prayer of asking God to remind me that His plans are better than my dreams. And they are! Don’t ever be too proud to acknowledge your feelings in prayer and ask for Gods hand – to touch your heart and clear your mind. Our humanness, well at least mine, can work hard to take over and fire up our independence.
Two Bible verses stand out for me with this message:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) -and…
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face continually”. (1 Chronicles 16:11)
Most of us have heard various sayings about the wind in our sails. I’d like to challenge you, that when you get hit hard the next time that you use the winds of this time in your life to sail your ship right toward the future God has planned for you. Use that turbulence to set a new course, a better way.
Make a great comeback and press on! Make your personal YAC – yards after contact – one for the record books!
How many of you are getting good at guessing what song I will link to a blog? Well, today I’m making it easy. Today’s song, of course, one of my favorites is by Selah, Press On. Turn up the volume, close your eyes and believe these powerful words. They are for you.