Embracing Change

When I think back to my days in the church, there’s one thing that always sticks with me – the hymn that played during the offering. It was a simple message: "Give, and it will come back to you." Each Sunday as the collection plates were passed, this hymn would fill the air, a gentle reminder of the cycle of generosity. Little did I know that years later, this tune would echo in my mind at the most unexpected moment – as I drifted into my afternoon nap.

It wasn’t just the hymn that was on my mind, though. It was the strange turn of events that had just unfolded in my life. You see, I had started a new job, one that involved night shifts. I had high hopes, a fresh sense of purpose, and energy to burn. But to my surprise, the job ended before I even had the chance to truly settle in. And here’s the kicker – despite my enthusiasm and drive, the company didn’t know what to do with me.

In just three short weeks, I found myself walking away from the job. On one hand, it felt like a setback. I hadn’t even had the chance to embrace the role fully, and yet it was over. But on the other hand, I felt a strange sense of peace. Maybe it was that old hymn whispering in my ear, reminding me that life’s cycles of giving, receiving, and change weren’t just limited to Sundays in church. Maybe it was a sign that things were falling into place, even if I couldn’t yet understand how.

I’ve learned a lot in the short time since. Sometimes, even the jobs that seem like the perfect fit turn out to be nothing more than a stepping stone. Sometimes, the vigor and drive you bring to the table aren’t always appreciated in the places you expect them to be. And that’s okay. Life isn’t always about fitting into a mold – it’s about discovering where you truly belong, even if that means taking unexpected detours along the way.

In a way, the message of that hymn still rings true. By giving my time, energy, and dedication to that job, I’ve learned valuable lessons that I can take with me into the next opportunity. It may not have come back to me in the way I expected, but it did come back in a different form – with wisdom, clarity, and a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don’t expect.

So, here I am, ready to embrace the unknown once more, knowing that whatever comes next will be just another part of the journey. Life, after all, is all about giving, learning, and growing – and I’m more than ready for whatever comes my way.