New Jobs and Conference Time
Last month, I shared a post about the change I was facing in my day job. (If you didn’t see it, you can read that post here.) Well, I’m happy to announce that I survived the transition! Or at least I have so far. This is my first week in the new job. I’ve been busy with training and learning new systems and have been on the phone with the Help Desk about 47 times to get all my technology working properly. And just as I’m starting to get settled into the new office . . . Conference Time!
Yep – at the new job for a grand total of three days before I left today for Dallas and the ACFW Conference. Thankfully, my new supervisor was aware of this trip on my calendar before I took the job and approved the time off. Whew! That could have been awkward seeing as how I’m teaching a session and doing paid critiques. Not to mention all the meetings with my publishing peeps.
So, since I’m on the road today and won’t be able to respond very often to comments, I thought I’d just show you a couple pictures of my new office. There is an entire wall of built-in shelves that I somehow managed to fill with books (shocking that I had so many readily at hand, isn’t it?) and my Willow Tree figurine collection.
The second shot is the front side of my desk with family photos, inspirational artwork, and a cross-stitch design I made 12 years ago when I first went back to work. There’s a larger version at the top of this post without the frame. It is a border of grapevines with Colossians 3:23 in the middle:
Whatever you do, work at it will all your heart,
as working for the Lord and not for man.
That is a verse I try to take to heart every day. God has called me to do my very best in whatever I do, whether it is a job I love and am passionate about or one I simply use to pay the bills. The command fits on days that my spirit is full of optimism and joy as well as on those days when I’m grumpy and everything seems to be going wrong. It remains in place if I have to deal with difficult people or frustrating technology. It is not conditional. Every day, every situation, I’m called to give my best as if the Lord is the one on the other end of the phone line or in the meeting or standing in front of my desk. It’s hard to remember in the heat of frustration or impatience, and I don’t always succeed, but I keep that verse on the wall where I can see it so the reminder is always close at hand.
- What verses do you keep close at hand (or on your heart) to help you get through the work day?
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When my, now 16 year old, daughter was 12/13 she worked in the raspberry fields one summer. When I picked her up from work every afternoon, she was the last one in the field with the two older supervisors. When she told me how much she disliked working in the berry fields, I told shared Colossians 3:23 with her. She then proceeded to tell me that I had already shared that verse with her and that she had kept repeating it to herself throughout the day when she felt like calling me to pick her up. The reason why she was the last one picked up in the afternoon was because the supervisors saw what a great worker she was and would ask her if she wanted to stay longer. Although she actually wanted to be done, she would always say yes and help with the cleaning up.
This was such a great indicator for me of how vital it is to be reflecting and meditating on God’s Word in all that we do and say. I believe it is what carried my young daughter through those monotonous and hot days in the raspberry fields.
What a great story, Terrill. And what a mature young lady you are raising. Having God’s Word living inside us makes all the difference, doesn’t it? It allows us to become more than our selfish human flesh could ever be alone. Thank you for sharing that wonderful example. 🙂
Love the verse, Karen. I’ve always loved Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Glad the new job is working out and hope you enjoy the conference!!!
Thanks, June. That’s a great verse. In fact, I think that was the theme verse I used for my last novel – A Worthy Pursuit. So rich yet so hard to live out on a daily basis. I tend to lean on my own understanding FAR too often.
Mine is Phillipians 4:13 and Psalms 46:10
I love Philippians 4:13! That verse has gotten me through so many hard times. i had to look up Psalm 46:10, but now I’m singing the devotional song, Be Still and Know in my head. A perfect way to reach the end of a long busy day. Thanks for that!
Enjoy the ACFW Conference, Karen!! 🙂 I’ll miss seeing you this year, but Lord willing hope to attend next year in Nashville.
Love your cross-stitch print, and believe it or not, Col. 3:23 is also MY theme verse!! Have loved it for years, and often put it in my signature line when signing notes, etc.
Your office is lovely, and I admire you for juggling that job, writing, and your family.
Hugs, Patti Jo
Thanks so much, Patti Jo. You are missed this year. There are a lot of people not attending this year, but the first day has still been a great blessing. Tomorrow will be packed with critiquing and workshops and my publisher’s dinner, but it should be wonderful. 🙂
I hope to see you next year!