How I got the job

Boy have I been sitting on this blog post.  Partly for the most obvious reason ever, life has been extra full and busy.  But also, busyness isn't entirely the reason I've hesitated to write.  It always feels extra intimidating to me to try and put words to a new season, not knowing how the reader on the other side of the screen will respond.  Eye contact, facial expressions, a slight nod here and there-these are all things I pick up on at lightning speed, giving my body a chance to respond accordingly.  That's something I miss when it comes to the internet.  Yet, I don't.  I read the faithful comments from so many of you, and it's as if you've looked me in the eyes and nodded reassuringly, "go on, tell us what happened next."  I adore that about you, rosy readers.  It isn't lost on me that to some, or even many, it might look silly to be a grown woman who still blogs.  Yet this blog (and the one before it) has been with me for almost 12 years! We're too deep in the story to turn back now. 

So back to why I've been sitting on this particular post.  I've wanted to share about my job and I find myself hesitating because it was just mere weeks ago that I was in the throes of job hunting and it was so very hard.  It's also true that even as I share my excitement and truth, some may be scratching their heads and wondering why in the world I would choose the challenge of being a working mom.  But that's the thing about blogs and all of social media really.  As Joy the Baker says in her weekly roundups, "take what you need."  I love that, in all its simplicity. 

Here is the story of how I got my job as librarian. (!!) Take what you need from it and use it as inspiration for your own life.

Way back when and before I had children, I was a teacher. I taught for 5 years and then decided to stay home to be a mama.  I did just that and decided to go back to work last year as an instructional assistant while I worked hard to get my teaching license renewed.  After my license was renewed I started looking for a certified teaching position.  I searched high and low all spring and summer long. I checked the job openings at least twice a day, mailed my resume in (or dropped it off personally) to so many schools, emailed anyone I could think of that worked in a school to put a good word in for me, and hustled like crazy.  The truth is anxiety and depression started creeping in.  It was just so hard to stay positive when I felt like that bud in the picture above.  I knew I was ready to burst at the right opportunity. I could feel it in my bones.  Yet nothing happened.

As summer came to a close I honestly had made peace with whatever happened or didn't happen next.  It was close to the time I wrote this post.  I knew that "if not, God is still good."  It was with this realization I decided to let loose a bit and take the girls to The Gathering Place in Tulsa.  We went, just us girls, and had the best time ever.  It is one of the top highlights of the summer for me, most definitely.  On the way home from the trip I got a call from my principal, where I was currently still employed as an aide.  To make a long story short-she asked me about two jobs.  One was the music teacher (LOL) and one was the part-time librarian position. She was wondering if I'd like to interview.  You guys, a kind of excitement I have never felt dropped with a thud in my heart.  I answered of course I'd love an interview and told her how I had once dreamed of being a librarian, even researching a program to enroll in after my undergraduate studies.  

I got off the phone and had complete chills.  Every detail I thought through and worried over about going back to work full-time suddenly would make sense if I were chosen to be the librarian.  Fast forward to the interview day. I had prepared with my entire heart, soul, brain, creativity, and ideas.  I mean, I came SO excited and ready and confident.  I truly did my best in the interview and left, not knowing if I had gotten the job or not.  I was told I would hear something in several days.  The next day I mentally went over the interview a thousand times in my head.  I just knew I was perfect for the job but wasn't sure I would get it.  I don't yet have my library media certification and as rosy as I am, I knew there were other more qualified people (on paper at least) interviewing.  That Friday evening I was sitting at Great Clips (of all places!) getting the girls hair cut when I saw a "new hire" type of email and suddenly, the chills and tears were back.  

In that one quiet moment at Great Clips, I just knew. I knew I had gotten the job and something truly unexpected and wonderful had just happened.  Soon after my principal called to say yes, I was indeed the new librarian if I wanted the job.  OF COURSE I DID!!

That is how I got my job.  It came about as a complete surprise and is truly an example of the verse that says God will do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.  I've gotta be honest, I don't think I've ever known what that verse meant until now.  NOW, I get it.  It is such a surprise every single time I get to walk into the library. I am so excited to be there.  It combines all my favorite things in the world, all in one place.  Books, art, knowledge, creativity, and KIDS are at the center of the library.  I don't think my feet touched the ground for at least a week after I got hired.  

As for me not having my library media degree-well, that's the next step.  I am researching Master's Degree programs and plan to start in the spring.  Of course, I'm not superwoman and balancing a full-time job with home life, church, exercise, friends, etc., has brought many lessons already.  I'll share those soon.  I've also given my photography and art some thought and will share what classes/opportunities will be available this fall before I start graduate classes.  

Mostly my reason for sharing?  To let you in on a secret.  That feeling or passion inside you that is just simply a part of who you are?  It's there for a reason.  That idea you have or job you want, when it might look crazy to so many others-also there for a reason.  It's not being stuck on yourself to confidently say "I was made for this!"  I mean y'all, I ended my interview with a very exuberant "I would be perfect for this job!" and a huge grin. 

Go be who YOU were made to be.  Listen to your own head and heart.  I'll end with a favorite quote-

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs.  Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."-Howard Thurman

Come alive friends.  The world is waiting for the gift of you!