Parakeets and Other Fowl Provide Answer

All writers need inspiration when trying to find their niche. A couple days ago I asked for divine help on topics for my daily writing.

The Lord came through with flying colors, literally.

Yesterday, I became discouraged after searching online job boards, so I went down by the lake for a quick workout. While walking at a brisk pace, I had an emotional moment and needed to stop. I wanted to know about my future, what else I could possibly do regarding my job search or my writing.

Old gnarled tree roots that had pushed their way up out of the ground near the water’s edge looked inviting, so I sat on one. The cool breeze coming off the lake prompted me to zip up my jacket. The sound of waves lapping at the shoreline calmed me… somewhat. My gaze fell upon the expanse of lake before me.

As tears brimmed, all I wanted at that moment was to make sense of my current situation.

My eye caught movement in my peripheral vision. A mallard and his mate paddled toward me. They came searching for bread crumbs I did not have.

The answers I was searching for didn’t come either, so I got up and resumed my trek. I had covered quite a distance when I stopped at a cove. A swan skimming slowly across the surface of the water added serenity to the scenic view.

Answers. Where were the answers I so desperately wanted?

I usually find such guidance when I feel closer to God, and I usually get there by first listening to worship music. So, I inserted my earbuds and raised my face toward the warmth of the sun. My soul found peace 15 minutes later even though I still had no answers. I turned off the music and headed home.

The sound of small birds flitting about in some bushes caught my attention. I paused and remembered the scripture about God taking care of these creatures. Even though birds don’t sow, reap, or store food in barns, God feeds them. (Matt 6:26).

I asked myself a question that sounded a lot like the one at the end of that scripture: Doesn’t God promise to take care of me just like He does those birds?

Yes, He does. There was a definite spring in my step as I continued onward.

And then it happened. Fodder for my writing that day.

As I approached the old Filter House, I heard squawking in the treetops and stopped to observe.

Could it be?

I read about a colony of these winged creatures living at White Rock Lake and always wondered if it was an urban legend. Yet, here they were in all their green, beautiful splendor. Monk parakeets!

Out came my iPhone. Click, click, click. I had real proof I’d seen them.

Who would have ever thought of birds? The writing material I had been hunting for came in the form of the avian species. A duck and his mate. A swan. Small birds in bushes. Wild parakeets.

Not only will God take care of me as he does these feathered friends, but I believe He also provided them as my first writing topic after I asked Him for daily themes.

Now that’s something to write about.

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life….  Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:25-26)

Another Fork in the Road

Grueling. Unsettling. Letdown.

Do those three words describe your job search? A grueling and unsettling predicament filled with letdowns.

Five years ago when I took the first step in pursuing my God-given writing talent, little did I know the many forks in the road that I would encounter.

So many unknowns bombarded my thoughts such as what kind of writer I should become.

Should I be a novelist? A blogger? A newspaper reporter? Or a magazine writer? I also considered what type of business or industry my writing could benefit.

And so, after graduating with a journalism degree, I finally felt confident with my academic credentials to make it as a writer.

Yet now, here I stand at a new fork in the road. Not really a new fork, but a very familiar one.

Which path do I take? The one that lands me a job that uses my past work experiences and enables me to support myself? Or the one where I pursue my passion for writing? A career field laden with starving artists.

As I said, the daily job search has been grueling. A letdown when potential jobs haven’t panned out. And unsettling not knowing what my future holds.

Grueling. Letdown. Unsettling. There are those three words, again.

However, I’ve heard it said you may not know what your future holds, but at least you know Who holds your future. 

As a Christian, I know this to be true. God has my back, and He has yours, too. He also encourages us not to be afraid at least a hundred times in the scriptures.

In the mean time, be still and wait patiently on the Lord. Bloom where you are planted while preparing yourself for His next endeavor for you. He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6) He will open doors no one can shut. (Revelation 3:8)

Follow the divine nudges at those forks in the road.

And wait patiently for the Lord's perfect timing for the job He has in store.

“Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you....” – Exodus 14:13

A Surprise Job Offer

An unexpected job offer surprised me. The position had nothing to do with my writing skills. However, I can say with confidence the job was meant for me.

Five years ago, I moved back to Dallas. In the midst of searching for employment, I met two authors who inspired me to pursue my passion for writing. So, I joined a writers’ group, went back to college, and graduated last year with a journalism degree.

I wanted to pen a novel, yet many author-friends advised me to keep my day job since getting a book published might take years. Ouch. I didn’t have a day job. The old adage starving artist haunted me. Hence, I started my job search again.

I found many groups that offered advice to unemployed people about using job-search tools and networking. One online tool helped me pinpoint my top five natural strengths: connectedness, adaptability, empathy, belief, and woo. Definitely characteristics of a people-person. I also narrowed down my ultimate dream job—a corporate journalist for a company with employees all over the country.

Twelve days ago at a networking function held at a local church, a leader mentioned a job fair at Fossil, Inc. The company was hiring retail help for the holidays. A stirring in my heart began immediately. Applying for that position made no sense to me. I was born to write, not sell. However, I’ve learned over the years to heed such divine nudges.

Three days later, I walked into the company’s corporate office while asking God to close doors if this was not the job for me.

An employee handed me an application and directed me to a room with hundreds of job applicants. The overwhelming amount of job seekers blew me away. I wondered if I would make the cut since many of those applying appeared young, hip and chic.

As I looked over the paperwork, I noticed the position was for the call center and not for retail help. My four years of customer service experience made me a good fit for the job. I highlighted my willingness to work all shifts except Sunday mornings.

After I completed the forms, a company recruiter spoke with me. Once we finished, she led me to a waiting area. A smidgen of the original job seekers sat in the room.

I made the first cut.

Two other recruiters interviewed me several minutes later. I believe my confidence, authenticity, and love for people stood out. One of the interviewers, Jenna, left to go find the hiring manager. Her colleague told me temporary employees with good work ethic might be hired permanently after the holidays. She added people transfer all the time to other departments suited for their specific skills. My writing talent came to mind.

Finally, Jenna returned with the manager who commented on my desire to have Sunday mornings off.

I replied I could always attend service on Saturday evenings at my church’s main campus in a nearby suburb. When I mentioned the town, Jenna named my place of worship. My curiosity peaked. Jenna revealed she attended another church—the one where I heard about the Fossil job fair!

Stunned, I turned my attention back to the manager.

“I’d like to offer you the position,” she said.

“Really?” I’m sure my eyes glazed over in awe.

“Yes,” she replied.

Not convinced, I asked two more times, “Really?”

All of us laughed as the manager said yes.

Overwhelmed doesn’t begin to describe how I felt, knowing the Lord moved on my behalf. I have no idea where this job will lead. All I know is that I got my foot in the door at the headquarters of an international company with a solid reputation.

I start work this Monday.