Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

About ten years ago, I worked at a corporation where the Operations Executive, Nancy, conducted a center meeting two months after I was hired. She wanted to communicate that the site was going to be closed and operations relocated to the other site she was overseeing. After the meeting I approached her for a quick word because I wanted a role with more responsibilities and an increase in salary. I mentioned I was working at the current center and was one of those who were onboard with the relocation. In fact, I was happy about it – the new location was closer to home, but I did not mention that. She was pleased because many did not want to move. I asked if there were opportunities for more responsibilities because I am a prior military officer and have an MBA. She did not seem moved by my plight until she heard I had an MBA. Her son had one as well but was unemployed so she “felt for me.”  Nancy advised me to poke my head in her office after I transferred. That is what I wanted to hear, and it pacified me enough to walk away with a smile.

On my second day at the new campus, I stopped by her office and reminded her of our conversation. She said, “Schedule an appointment with Patty” who was her executive assistant. I was new there and knew only one Patricia, who was a Vice President. I emailed Patricia with some background information and asked for time to speak with her. She did not respond to my email but a week later, I overheard the administrative assistant who sat in front of me mention the other Patty to someone else. I asked who she was. When I learned that Patty was Nancy’s assistant, I felt silly. Within minutes I shot the right Patty an email asking for an appointment with her boss and landed one for that Friday. Unfortunately, Nancy had to cancel because she was going on vacation. Had I initially asked Nancy to clarify who Patty was, I would have had an appointment the week before. But who was to say it was not better to have had the meeting after her vacation. I trusted that God was still in control even though I thought I had made a huge blunder.

I never did get to have an audience with Nancy, but I eventually left the company and two months later landed with another one that paid for me to acquire licenses which I still use today. Late last year I discovered an occupation about which I am passionate and requires at least one of the licenses I acquired. This development took years to unfold but it showed that when I relinquish trust to God, I can walk in peace knowing that when things do not work according to my plan it is either not the right time or He has something better in store.

Trust Him Always

You may feel wretched with your seeming blunder

But trust that, His control the situation is still under

He allows us the choice to come and go, do this and that

Yet even if outside Hs will, He can work it for good, stat

In all your ways seek His direction

To make your steps need no correction

He wants His best for your life always

Lose not heart with this life all your days