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I was at church last night telling everyone
about
my employment situation when something hit
me.
And it hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt
compelled to share it with you. During the Christmas holiday, my
sister-in-law Ree and my niece Brittany asked my three children ages (8,
10 and almost 13) if they still believe in Santa . They all echoed the
same answer. “No.” Ree and Brittany told my children that they have to
believe in Santa. Because if they do not believe, they will not receive.
Now what does Santa a job situation have to do with each other? Read on
and you will understand.
I found out the Monday after Thanksgiving that I was being laid off of my
job on December 31. Not very good news for a single mother of three to
hear. I was advised by several people at my place of business that it
would be smart to look for employment right away because the job market is
rough. I understood their concern but I told that I still had a job to
do. I can’t give 100% to a job and look for another job at the same
time. I was committed to give my 100% up until the very end of my
employment.. I had convinced myself that I was not going to worry. “God
will provide.” That’s what I kept telling everyone.
December 31 came by rather quickly. My time job was over. Now I can give
100% at looking for a new job. Obviously, my search will not begin until
Thursday, January 2nd.
I had many people acting as search agents for me and praying for me. I
keep repeating to myself “God will provide.” I referred to “Footprints”
and say that God is just carrying me right now…There’s only one set of
footprints in the sand.
Anyway, Thursday January 2nd I begin my search for employment. I
submitted a resume on-line to a company I thought might be interesting.
Actually, I submitted a few. I was a bundle of nerves knowing that
eventually I would have to be interviewed. I haven’t been on a formal
interview in almost 16 years. All of my jobs were “handed” to me. I
didn’t know what to expect.
On Friday, January 3rd, I received a call from one of the companies that I
submitted a resume to the prior day. Quite honestly, I was thrown off
guard. I was asked “What are you looking for?” My answer??? “A
job!…Oops! I’m sorry, that’s not very professional, is it?” Gee…what
kind of first impression is that?! I was expecting to hear a dial tone at
the other end of the line. But I didn’t. I was given the opportunity to
redeem myself and give a better answer. I did…and I was asked to go to
their office for an interview on Tuesday, the 7th.
Wow! I have a bite! It was an office supply company. I automatically
assumed the worst. They aren’t going to pay me enough money. I already
had it set in my mind that I wasn’t going to get the job. It’s “right
around the corner” from my house so if I am offered the job, it will be
for less than I am willing to accept. But I will go on the interview
anyway in order to get the interview experience I’m going to need.
So now it’s Tuesday morning and I have an interview. I arrive at the
company early. That always looks good. But instead of going right in, I
talk to God and tell Him I need some guidance. I need to have a sign as
to whether this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
I walk into the office and I’m overcome with an incredible sense of
calmness. I couldn’t believe it! No stomach turning. No bundle of
nerves. And you know how usually there are several candidates waiting to
be interviewed? There was no one else. Is this a sign? Nah… Can’t be.
I am taken into the office of personnel and I’m interviewed. The answers
to the questions that were asked were flowing out of my mouth without
having to think. And there was no hesitation of any sort. I think I even
commented to the interviewer that I thought I would have been more
nervous. But I’m not sure. She then asked me if I had time to talk to
the head of the Accounting office – the person that would be my boss if I
were to get hired. Of course I do! So I met with her and was given a
short tour of the office. The interview lasted a total of 2 hours. Is
this another sign? I don’t remember any of my other interviews being like
this? Then again…as I said…it has been a long time.
By the time I got home I had a message on my answering machine. They want
me to come back for a second interview on Wednesday, January 8th.. I
called to accept the second interview but the office had already closed.
First thing Wednesday morning the phone is ringing. They want me to come
in. Sure thing. I’m sure of it now. This is a sign from above.
So, I go to the second interview. I am interviewed by the Vice President
of the company. I am asked several more questions. I give several more
answers. The Vice President asks me to review the company mission, goals,
etc that are on plaques in the office as he excuses himself. He said that
they are going to make a decision rather quickly. Within the next 24
hours.
Well. At least I have one interview under my belt. It made me feel a
little more confident with my search. This interview was a great
experience and even if I don’t get the job I won’t give up hope. That
just means that it wasn’t meant for me. I was preparing myself for the
future search. Preparing myself for the rejection I was expecting to
hear.
The personnel manager came in to the conference room now and sat down.
Well.. here it goes! The words that came out of her mouth were certainly
not expected. But I was glad to hear them. She offered me a position
with the company!! I start on Monday!!
Someone said to me that I was extremely lucky. I don’t think luck has
anything to do with this. What is the likelyhood of a job basically
falling into my lap like this? I mean…I applied for a total of 5 jobs.
No one was there applying for this position. The interview went extremely
well. It’s like this was supposed to be my job!
I only have two more points to this. The first point takes me back to my
opening statement. If you don’t believe, you won’t receive. How true
that is. But I’m not talking about Santa! I believe in God and I have
received many, many blessings.
My last comment is that God answers prayers. I am living proof of that.
Many, many thanks to all that have prayed for me. You know who you are!
Becky Pentz
BeckyPentz@aol.com
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