Beyond Coincidence
This is long and detailed, but it is important in order to communicate the story accurately. Please indulge me and enjoy message of the story. If He did it for me, He can do it for you!
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Alas, it is time for me to return to work. Its funny, looking back over the last few weeks, I realize that a restlessness had begun to grow in me. I began searching for job openings on the internet. Not knowing what kind of job I really wanted, I remember several months ago, we were driving through a nearby town and I noticed a area of new construction. There was something that caught me eye. I don't know what it was, but I saw the sign that identified it as a future assisted living community. I thought to myself, "self, you need to remember this in case you decide to go back to work. That looks like it will be a nice place to work, and it is close to home." I have worked as an Activity Director in Assisted Living before, but I was not sure I wanted the responsibility and quite frankly, the stress of management and the long hours.
Fast forward a couple of months, I searched for the community on the internet and begin to follow the progress of the construction. I read about the opening, followed the staff as they were hired, and saw the job postings available. I decided to tour to community, and it happened to be the day that State was there inspecting before the grand opening. For those who are not familiar with the process, a new facility opens its doors the first month of operation with three residents. After thirty days, State inspects the community and upon passing all requirements, gives a certificate to open its doors to receive residents to capacity. Not only did they pass with flying colors that day, but they also passed my personal inspection. I would most definitely allow my own family to live here.
A week later, I decided to fill out an application even though there were no job openings at the time. I wanted to be ready when one did become available. My intention was to start part time as an assistant and ease back into the work force and take advantage of training. The day I filled out the application, the chef interviewed me on the spot! I was not expecting that, but I really enjoyed our visit. If a part time job in the kitchen opened, I was definitely interested!
A week later, I emailed her and asked her to be sure and pass along my application to the Activity Director also, so that when she was ready to hire an assistant, she would have my information. I got a call the next day from the Director. Evidently, they had moved personnel around and they needed a new Director of Activities. When I arrived for my interview, the first person I saw when I entered the building was a former co-worker. This is the third facility where we have encountered one another! Coincidence? I think not! I was surprised that the interview process moved along so rapidly-the Director offered me the position right away and asked if I would consider it even though I was only seeking part time work. The main hesitation I had was that I teach Bible Study in my home every other Friday morning, and I did not want to give that up. I asked the Director if there was any way I could continue to teach at home and make up the hours by working long days. She said I had that the flexibility in my schedule, as long as I got my 40 hours in! First God moment-at least the first time I realized God was positioning me and guiding my steps. First time I realized that my interest and fascination with this place was His doing. First time I realized that He was right in the middle of all of this! So I agreed to dive in with both feet and go back to work full time! I accepted the position!
This past week has been a whirlwind. The owner/operator of the company came personally to guide me through orientation so I could hit the ground running. As we were in the conference room training, someone brought lunch in for us from a local taco shop. She quickly stopped and said, let me pray before we eat. I thanked her and was a little stunned by her boldness, but so blessed and grateful for it. As we worked on the calendar, I noticed that there was a time daily for me to lead devotions, and I asked if it was correct that I would lead these and not a recruited volunteer. She said, of course! We are a Christian company and you are welcome to lead a devotion, prayer, or Bible Study any time you wish!" I had no idea. I just sat there and marveled at how God was working!
This is my second "start up" assisted living job. I have discovered that I love the start up process, the strategizing, the planning, the shopping and setting up process. As we continued my training that day, I communicated this to my boss and asked about a rumor I had heard that a new community was planned in the near future near my home. She said that there was, so I told her I would love to be her start up girl for that community. She said, you've got it! I will put you down!" What I felt immediately was appreciation, confirmation and validation. Such a simple thing for a boss to give an employee but so valued by the employee! Evidently, people who enjoy and have experience setting up a program from scratch are few and far between. Once again, I had no idea. What I do know is that God knew. He had an idea. He put an interest in my heart for this community. He led me here. He put in the right place at the right time, just when they needed me and I needed them...and He is not finished yet!
As training moved into the afternoon, my boss gone, me alone in the conference room watching training videos, I heard beautiful music coming from the grand piano in the main living room. I play the piano myself and love to hear people play. I was drawn to see who was playing so beautifully and was pleasantly surprised to see a resident seated at the keys. Her family surrounded her and I approached, following the notes on the pages of the tattered book of Christian choral orchestrations from which the resident played. I began to turn the pages for her, mesmerized by what I was witnessing. The lady had tremors, but it had no effect whatsoever on her hands. Her memory was sketchy, but she knew that music! And the music she made, I have no words to explain the impact, only that the Holy Spirit was present in that moment, and I was moved. I praised her, hugged her and thanked her. As I returned to my training, alone, the Director came in and thanked me for coming out. When she left, I was suddenly overwhelmed with all the blessings that I had received in one day and the tears rushed. Embarrassed that someone might see, I brushed them aside and composed myself, very aware, very sure, that God indeed had orchestrated my presence here. This is what my heart was restless for. I am confident as I move forward that this is right where I belong, that He will equip me with everything I need to accomplish the task before me, but even more importantly, that He loves me, wants good things for me, knows my passion and love for senior adults and has given me the desire of my heart-a desire that He placed there! I am blessed beyond measure and excited about the future! This is beyond coincidence. This is a classic example of God intervening in the lives of His children, knowing the plans He has for us, for our good, to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. He is a good God.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
