Life...

Every experience God gives us,

every person He puts in our lives

is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.

~Corrie ten Boom

Last week as I prepared for another interview, hoping it'd be my last, I thought about the infamous question: How does this position fit into your career plans?

I hate that question. I've never been one of those people who has my life 'figured out'. Sure, I knew what my college major would be at age 16 - but not my career.  After all, for that 16-year-old, the college major was the vehicle to the career of marriage. Yes, my career goal was to obtain my MRS. For real. Even in the 21st centurt, we still existed. :)

So, 'stumbling' into an my position as a Talent Search Advisor was really a blessing. God provided me with a career path!

I think even as a college freshmen, I knew I'd like advising. As a college senior, I wrote out what types of jobs I would love to pursue - they were something like this: college women's ministry, college advising, college teaching, leading study abroad trips for college students, and public gardens' education programs. See any type of theme emerging?

What's funny about life - and God's provision - and God's timing - is that we never quite know what to expect.  While that theme obviously points toward investing in college students' development, obtaining an actual job in your dream area requires a) those jobs being open, b) qualifying for said job, c) the search committee believing you're worthy of an interview, d) said search committee actually choosing you for the position.

I thought the perfect job for me was one that I didn't get. (Those who follow this blog know what I'm talking about) While I love the college campus environment, I wasn't sure if that was where I'd end up getting employed. I'm also pretty passionate about non-profits and community programs - so I applied to those programs. My temporary position has been in such a program. I've enjoyed it - but....

So, last week as I prepared for this latest interview for a position advising pre-majors and teaching a communications course, I thought about my crazy little career path. I realized that my life - and career path - are like the game Classic Concentration. http://youtu.be/pcidDyfajzI

Little pieces of my life are slowly being revealed to show the bigger puzzle. I'm not sure what the step after this one will be - but I know that God is revealing a greater picture though each of my experiences - and maybe one day, I'll figure it out.

For the time being, though, the newest picture revealed is that I have a new full-time job as an Advisor in the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona - which is one of the most forward-thinking, progressive college departments I've encountered! VERY EXCITING!

These are the words that I'd used to describe the Norton School: responsive, progressive, perceptive.

Just as I was really wondering how God would provide for our needs, and the day we asked for His provision - He provides a job. My oh my - what a God we serve!

(I hope this post makes sense.... Dan and I have been celebrating with some Michigan State champagne!)