Are you out there? Do you exist? Am I just too young to have found you?
I don’t think I’m asking for too much here. I’ve even expanded my options. I’d now easily be willing to tackle the following tasks on a regular basis:
- Girls’ ministry
- Design brochures, newsletters, business cards, and the like for individuals and non-profits
- Write/blog for magazine or website
- Edit stories or articles
- Run errands
- Babysit
- Read and review books
- Undertake others’ to-do lists
- Organize (pretty much anything)
- Assist a photographer
- Teach
- Learn
- Plan activities and/or events
- Coordinate volunteer opportunities
If I could perform one or more of these duties while also making at least $30K/year with spousal health coverage, I would be a very happy employee. I’m a hard worker. I maintain an organized work space, and once I’ve begun a task, I am entirely self-motivated. I could easily work from home, though I’m not asking for that. I truly do not mind getting up and going to work each day; I admit, though, that I prefer to be kept busy while I am there.
I once believed that you, dream job, could help me change the world, could fulfill my innermost desires, could utilize all of my gifts and talents. I know now that that is impossible. Only one thing can fulfill me, and it’s not a job. So now my ideals have changed.
I’m no longer looking for the impossible. I believe that you, dream job, are in fact out there waiting for me somewhere. After all: I’m no longer looking to change the entire world; just my little corner of it will suffice. I’m no longer looking to fulfill my innermost desires; just something to keep the worker bee in me content. I’m no longer looking to use all my gifts and talents; just a few. I think this is doable.
So, dream job, do contact me. I’m waiting, and I’m trying to be patient. I know I’m just 22, and I have a long way to go, but I promise that if you find me, I’ll serve you well. I have a pretty decent résumé, and I’m one of the most responsible 22-year-olds I think you’ll find anywhere.
I like my current job, but honestly: I think there’s something more. I don’t think this is idealistic or naïve. I think it’s true. Prove me right. Until then, I’ll be waiting.
Sincerely,
Annie Butterworth Jones
4 comments:
Dear Annie,
I would like to offer you some comfort by telling you that I, too, have been there. I know how you feel. One year and four incredibly random jobs later, it came for me. My dream job.
(For fun, let me remind you just how random:
1) 3 days as a temp receptionist at a place in downtown Montgomery that sells copy machines.
2) 7 months as a Home Inspecting Assistant.
3) 1 semester as an adjunct professor at Faulkner University teaching Fundamentals of Reading & Writing.
4) 4 months as an Administrative Assistant & Estimator for a subcontractor.)
In it all, I waited in faith, knowing that it did not matter where I was or what I was doing, He was there in me, and He was at work.
And this is now where you find yourself. Waiting in faith, knowing He is your purpose and fulfillment. Seeing Him at work....
Something extraordinary is out there for you, Mrs. Annie Butterworth Jones. I know this because 1) I know our God, and 2) I know who He has made you to be. (And let me say, you are pretty extraordinary.)
I hope you have found this encouraging. I love you!
A kindred spirit,
Jenna
I don't know that a dream job exist but nothing is forever, so it's nice to know that there are always other options out there.
Annie,
First, I must say Congratulations on your wedding! I am so happy for you and Jordan. Marriage is awesome! Just remember to take one day at a time. It is a hard lesson to learn. After two years, I am still learning it. God really knows how to give someone humility and teach them through loving, kindness! It is so easy to have a picture in your mind of the way YOU WANT things to be. You and I both know, life isn't about what I want but what He wants. One thing I have had to learn is patience! Going to an 8-5 job that you do not love is a hard thing to do 5 days a week; however, you are incredibly blessed to have a job in a time that the economy is a complete disaster. I am sure you very well know that, too. You may remember that last year I worked in the library at Faulkner. With each new day, I felt like the innumerable possibilities that I once envisioned were dwindling by the tens and twenties. In one of my weakest moments, God chose to show me a path that I never expected to take. Without having a job lined up, I quit my job at the library to start my Master's degree at UAB. After moving to Birmingham, one of my top priorities was to find a great church. Of course to me, none of them would match Vaughn Park. Joey and I started visiting the church in which he became a Christian. Within a month of regularly attending Palisades, an elder approached me about being the Children's Minister at Palisades. After about three weeks of meetings, I was incredibly priviledged and blessed to have a full-time job as the Children's Minister at Palisades church of Christ - a path I NEVER envisioned. God is an AMAZING Father! He is using this job to teach me so many things. One of the first things I learned is that there can be a dream job! Also, it took having a job I didn't enjoy to teach me how to express thankfulness to Him for the job I love. What is good without the bad? I am writing all of this to ask you to never let the walls close in around your imagination and dreams. I know you will not; however, it helps when others encourage you. Joey was the encouragement I needed to get up and go to work each day. Let Jordan be your's. Remember that all things on this earth are temporary. God will bless you tremendously in all that you do because you have dedicated your life to His purpose. I often read your blogs but never comment. Thanks for the encouraging words and thoughts you write on a daily basis. I hope this finds you and Jordan doing very well. Have a FANTASTIC week!
In Him,
Ashleigh Kiker
Thanks, everyone, for your encouragement! It's nice to be reminded that our Father is just that... a Father. He knows the best for me. I loved being reminded of your story, Jenna, and Ashleigh, I loved hearing your story for the first time! I'm glad to keep in touch, even if it's through blogging! :) It's so neat to see how God worked in both of your lives, and I know He's working in mine too. Thanks for the awesome reminder. I love you both, and am so grateful for encouragements like you!
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