Sharp turn ahead
Written by hootenannie on February 19th, 2009There is nothing like calamity to put everything in perfect perspective. For all of my woe over my role as the Temptress, and knowing that this is not my dream job, suddenly I am grateful to show up in the morning and find the office still operating. I start thinking thoughts like, “If I can just work through tomorrow at 5pm – if we can just stay open through then – I will have earned enough to pay my rent next week.” I am grateful for every hour of income I get – because all of a sudden, nothing is guaranteed.
I suppose that nothing is ever guaranteed – we just trick ourselves into thinking that it is, that we know where the road is leading.
Last night, I went running with the East Nasties. I’m faster than the slow group, but slower than the fast group, so I found myself in the no-man’s-land of running between the two packs on my own. It was dark, and eventually I realized that I didn’t know the route. “What if I get lost?” I worried. I was all alone.
But then I noticed one man a significant distance ahead, and I decided that I would lock my eyes on him. As long as I had him in my sight, I would know where to make the turns.
I don’t know where the road is leading. I cannot see the path. I am sure that I will need to turn soon – that the route is about to look very different – but I have no way of knowing when the shift in direction will occur. All that I can do is put one foot in front of the other, and fix my eyes on the One who has gone before me.
**UPDATE**
The sharp turn came at 1:30pm. I am now unemployed.
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thanks for this post, Annie! very meaningful to me and I’m sure a lot of people right now! so many things that seemed like absolutes are becoming uncertain. I’m coming up on a few turns myself and I appreciate your wise words and feel encouraged to keep my focus.
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As I find myself in a similar point in life, this post, and your analogy, hits home. Thanks for the reminder. ~ Matt
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Annie, I wish you posted five blogs a day – published every other hourly over the course of my work day. That would be like, the best present ever.
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Right On Annie! These are my feelings in words this day as well. So glad there is someone on the road ahead to keep my eyes on.
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Dearest Annie, the one who loves you more than anything in the world knew this was coming and already has a plan! Your heavenly Father is Lord over all creation and He has your life in the palm of His hand giving you all the special attention your circumstance demands. Do not let fear overtake you because you’re just going to have a great opportunity to see the miracles God will do on your behalf!
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as you stated, you are never alone on your road. and for what it’s worth, you also have a nashville family who is going to take this journey with you. love you!
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:( keep those eyes focused now more than ever.
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You don’t know me, but I’ll be praying for you. God Provides.
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HUGS.
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LAME. Seriously.
Why don’t you advertise on your blog? This thing is a cash cow waiting to happen. Let’s be honest.
You are wildly talented and fabulous…you’ll land on your feet. We love you!
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Hi Annie,
I just found your new sassy blog. How fun. More fun that the news you got at work, I’m assuming?! I’m sorry for the BLECH with the blech job but I hope your writing, your mojo, your moxie and your awesomeness are some consolation. Hang in there, turbo.
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Praying for you.
Everything will work out OK.
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Aww man. I’m sorry, Annie. I think I’ve only ever spoken to you like twice, but I teared up reading this entry. I wish the people who created this situation had the brains or the heart to REALLY understand the ramification their actions would have for people that aren’t even remotely at fault.
I’m glad you have a family who loves you and friends who love you. You’ll be okay in the end.
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Annie, add me to the list of people who enjoy your blog and are praying for you!
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Ditto all of these awesome comments – keep your head up, Annie :)
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BOO. :(
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I’m praying for you. Hang in there Annie.
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Annie – Jumped over here from the East Nasty site. I’ve been through a similar situation…the company I worked for out of college, though much smaller, closed its doors when the partners decided to try new things. It was so difficult to figure out what to do next. But I did, and so will you, and it will all work out. Take some time to freak out and be emotional about it, because you have to get that part out. And as they say, “this too will pass.” I always like to think about things from this perspective – a year from now, this won’t even be a blip on your radar. You’ll be looking back saying woah, remember that time?
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There is One who is leading, and He will take care of you. :)
Psalm 73:23-24
“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel…”
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Hey,
It sounds like you and I should be running together. I’m somewhere in the middle there on Wed nights too.