An Unexpected Season

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Has life's situations ever been unexpected for you? The older I get, the more I see how life is so unexpected — we cannot make plans and we are so not in control...even though I know we would love to be (or at least I would). Maybe it isn't the unexpected that surprises us, but the disappointments that follow...

Two Mondays ago, I met an angel and Husband and I got to see our sweet babe via ultrasound. A good day to say the least! But life is so unexpected. The following day, Tuesday, toward the end of my work day, my boss came into my office and shut the door...I was swept up into a layoff. How could the timing be any worse? Pregnant, needing my income, needing health insurance, expecting to have a paid maternity leave with my sweet little one — the moments leading up to the news, life seemed to be perfect. Everything was wiped away...How was I supposed to deal with this?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

Thankfully the layoff had nothing to do with my performance, as I have received numerous accolades with my work, internally and externally. With each passing review I receive the highest marks — a true high performer. Unfortunately the decision was made from the corporate office, from the top down, my position and job description were eliminated. Being in a large metropolitan market, my work is needed and I was able to be brought back in as a "registry position." Currently I am working as an hourly employee without benefits. Praise the Lord that Husband was able to pick up benefits at one of his jobs, even though it is at a premium due to his part-time status.

So right now, I am trying to take control of what I can, but allowing life to flow on it's own. Thankfully I am married to the world's calmest man, which has helped immensely. When I got home, after being laid-off, Husband looked at me and said, All these crazy things that happen to you always turn out to be better for you in the end — Always. I am continually amazed by this. He is right, God has a way of turning the messes into good. So, I am learning to go with the flow and learn to rid my life of stress because it is out of my hands. Going through this unexpected season, I recall that my Aunt Susie used to say that life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.

Your journey has moulded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. — Asha Tyson