By Katerina Lea
I drove home feeling defeated, fatigued, and needing food.
Last month, I was excited for a potential opportunity that would help me gain experience for my dream career. But, even after all of the information, I felt that it wasn’t the right fit. I just didn’t have the courage to say anything at the moment. So instead, I drove home, rested, cried, and then sent an email.
I didn’t understand why God would put a calling on my heart to work with children that have health challenges, but yet my own affected why I had to say no. All of the schooling and years of hard work didn’t make sense to me. It almost felt like I wasted the last few years.
But, that is not the case. Every course finished, conversation with professors, experience teaching dance—all have continued to shape me into who I am. God is still shaping me even in the waiting seasons.
So I began researching potential opportunities. I asked others for advice and wisdom on how to continue navigating health challenges and a change in career. Of course, this is not how I planned this season in life to be, but it was the answer to prayer I needed.
As someone who enjoys researching, I’m ready to take on new challenges and dive into the possibilities the Lord has for my future. It’s encouraging to see other opportunities open up even in the waiting-season related to another career path. Honestly it’s all God. I wouldn’t have made it through the ups and downs without Him.
And He is shaping you. Even in those moments of tears and feeling defeated.
But, I would encourage you not to hold it all in. Reach out to a friend today. Drink your favorite cup of tea as you journal. Take a break and work on a craft. This may just feel like another season of waiting for your chronic illness to improve or for a job opportunity to work out, but it’s so much more.
God is still using your life for a beautiful purpose. Trust the process. God’s timing is worth the wait. And don’t forget you are not alone.
Music to encourage you: “Honest” by Leanna Crawford, “Overthinking” and “Forty One” by Samatha Ebert, and “Won’t Start Now” by Seph Schlueter
Katerina Lea
Guest Writer
Katerina is a dancer, instructor, and writer from California. She has a B.A. in psychology and is passionate about advocating and encouraging those living with chronic illness and disabilities. She enjoys embroidery, spending time with friends, and being outdoors. You can connect with Katerina through her blog, Beauty in the Pain, where she writes about living with CMT.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyinthepainblog/
Blog: https://www.beautyinthepainblog.com
Substack: https://beautyinthepain.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
