Learning

I've learned some valuable life lessons lately. I've truly begun to appreciate the power of patience and prayer. I kept trying for so long to force changes in my life, to force my next step. I finally realized that to be happy with the end results, you can't do that, but rather you have to wait for the chips to fall where they may. God's will is amazing and his plan for my life is so much more dependable, so much greater than my own plan.

I went through a spell of several months -- maybe as many as six months -- being dissatisfied at work. I stopped loving what I did. I stopped being satisfied with the fruits of my labor.

Then finally, within the past two or three months, I've experienced a shift. A shift in my thinking, in my peace, in my sense of trusting God. Simultaneously, I began enjoying what I have, enjoying life, enjoying work, and at the same time, seeing my work get better, my rewards get better. It's amazing how that works.

I truly starting loving my job again. In turn, my articles improved, my writing improved, the respect for my work improved.

And then, the reward of all rewards. I applied for a trip through Rotary's Group Study Exchange program. A trip that four people get to take this fall to England.

I interviewed a few weeks ago, and -- dun da dun -- was fortunate enough to snag one of the four slots! Watch out everybody -- Mary's going to England.

The program sends working professionals 25-40 to a foreign country to learn about their profession and to share information about what it's like back home. The trip will be five weeks, from the middle of September to the middle of October.

I am so very excited and feel truly blessed to land this exciting opportunity. Oh the doors that open when you just sit still for a bit and let the Lord do his work...