Not much exciting happening here. *yawn* Christmas shopping's almost done, hope to finish it tomorrow. Am busy either at church, volunteering, or working. Somehow went from having nothing to do to having too much!
My mom and stepdad were passing through town over the weekend on their way to Atlanta. I think they decided for Bob to rent an apartment for a little while by himself in Atlanta and then retire in WV sometime in the middle of next year. I didn't realize what was happening with my stepdad... I knew Bob was stressed about his job but I wasn't aware of what else was happening in his heart. He is terrified of retiring! He has no idea what he will do with himself when he doesn't have to go to work... he's spent 35 years with CSX and has supported himself since he was 15. He doesn't have any hobbies aside from playing sports which he really can't do anymore. He actually cried a bit during lunch on Sunday. I think it's all the stress from the life changes that's getting to him. Even though this next year will probably be one of his most difficult ever, I hope that this time in his life will blossom into something beautiful. God has a way of doing that when we have faith in Him.
I got a promotion at my job... I'm going to be a "lead" which is short of a manager but allows me to open and close the store and do other random stuff. I was surprised that I was tapped for that since I've only been there about 2 weeks but I am always grateful for a learning opportunity. I have no idea where all of this is going to go or how long I'm going to stay at the store, but I'm still having a blast so I might as well take advantage of that for a little while!
I've decided to approach this time as "active waiting"... doing my best at the tasks set before me, learning and growing as much as I can, and practicing PATIENCE until I feel that God's leading me elsewhere. He has me at the store for a reason... reasons which I don't understand... but someday I know I'll be able to look back and see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together perfectly. I feel at peace with being there right now, and have been encouraged in my work there, so I know I'm doing the right thing...
"When I said, "my foot is slipping,"
your love, O Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul."
- Psalm 94:18-19
