So Jared quit his job last Wednesday. He couldn't do it anymore. He was brought on with promises that unraveled in the last couple months and a series of events and lack of events led him to the very clear conclusion that things were not as they should be - nothing illegal exactly, but plenty of stuff that couldn't be called ethical. As he saw more of what was going on and tried to fix things, he was increasingly marginalized to the point that it was miserable. He had to leave.
So we left our beautiful home and all our good friends and so many things we loved in St George and moved to a city we never would have thought of moving to if it weren't for a job that promised to be fabulous (the job had proved to be quite wonderful for several months before we committed to the move so it really seemed like it would be the right thing for Jared...). And now that job is gone.
We've got 5 kids. Our savings aren't in stellar shape after some unemployment last year then making the move to Ogden and putting a chunk of money into a new house that we felt so strongly we were meant to buy. We could be confused and sad and frustrated and scared. But you know what? We're feeling really peaceful and good about things for the most part. It's going to be OK. We can see the beginnings of new paths opening up and we're choosing to look for the good in this situation - and there's plenty of good to find.
Ogden feels right - totally right for us right now in our lives. We're both seeing many reasons why we needed to move here - the job was just the bait to get us where we needed to be, I guess. Jared has quite a few connections and prospects here - way more than in St George where the business climate is pretty dead right now. And he's currently working like crazy on our new Power of Moms website which should launch in a few days here (he was working on it several hours a day before he quit his job but now he's working on it like 12 hours a day and the timing to have more help from him couldn't be better).
As someone once wisely said, "change and surprises are the only things you can really plan on in life." And as someone very wisely said in Sunday School last week, "stress can be defined a lack of faith." I can't change the unfortunate circumstances that other people's choices create in my life. I can't control what tomorrow may bring. But I can choose to find the good in the hard stuff and I can choose faith over stress - at least on good days!
And the recent disaster in Japan has made me realize once again that our own little upheavals over the last year are nothing compared to what tons of people go through.
13 comments:
I'm so happy and impressed that you are choosing peace. The uncertainty is hard, but you can have peace.
sar you are amazing and I feel so blessed to get to learn from you as your little sister. one of these days we will talk on the phone! I am ay work now. love you so much! thanks for this inspiration for today - I needed it!!
So so so sorry Saren. I'm sure everything will work out though. Go Faith!
-Aja
how awesome! As I read that I thought to myself that there's gotta be a reason and something awesome is just waiting that the old job got you to Ogden for, but that's one thing to say as an outsider reading it. Going through it is much harder and your perspective and peace through it all is amazing. :) Thank goodness for the peaceful feelings from the Holy Ghost. Thanks for your example. :)
Oh my goodness. #1 I think you are supposed to be here too. #2 Clearly, you don't need me to tell you this, but I know things will all work out for the best. #3 I can't tell you how glad I am that you are my neighbor.
I hope all is well. We made a move that we felt very strongly about. It was hard, but we have been here five years now and have seen the blessings start to come. All things in there own time. I love that you are choosing peace.
Saren, thanks for sharing this in your post "And as someone very wisely said in Sunday School last week, "stress can be defined a lack of faith." I can't change the unfortunate circumstances that other people's choices create in my life. I can't control what tomorrow may bring. But I can choose to find the good in the hard stuff and I can choose faith over stress - at least on good days!" I am going through something with an adult child that has me all in knots and this has helped. I believe you are right about the job getting you guys to Ogden...I have a brother-in-law who has been out of work for over a year. None of the many phone and personal interviews he has had for far away places has panned out even when they sounded like "the one" but he was just put on the stake high council and you can't help but feel there is a reason they haven't found a job that would take them away from their current area. Our faith is tested on a daily and sometimes hourly basis.
That's what I needed to hear this moring Saren. We too are in the process of moving a month before my baby is due and we have a few short weeks to find a new place to call home. I'd rather move before the baby then after so I consider that a huge blessing.
After visiting with you, I had to come straight home and read this. Oh Saren-the conversation with you was so great to have had today! The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways. Thanks for some much needed insight.
I am amazed by your choice to choose peace and faith! Go you! This is always something I struggle with. Thanks for being so inpsiring.
Holy Cow, Saren! I had no idea! Like Aja said, Go Faith!
Saren, I somehow linked to your blog and was so happy to see you & Jared. Brought back fond memories of the trip with the Eyres to Africa. Looks like a lot has changed for you in the last 10+ years! Inspiring post. Great to "see you"!
Heidi (Broadwater) Maxfield
Saren, Loved this post. When things like that have happened to Matt and me it is always so confusing at first. We are not upset with the Lord as to why we felt so impressed to move somewhere or do something different--just not understanding why. Now, looking back at those times, we have learned that we were going through a "holding period" as we call it. It was an in between time where we had to be patient and wait-because the next adventure just wasn't ready yet. It teaches me every time that the Lord sees the whole picture. If we are prayerful and faithful it works out and we remain on the path that was always meant for us.
I also love this thought my friend gave to me. Faith is an expectation that things will happen, not just merely a hope.
Post a Comment