People often say opportunity doesn’t knock twice. If it comes, you need to take it or you very well may miss out. I live my life this way. I have been given many opportunities over the past year. Honestly, I’ve been given a lot of opportunities in my life, period.
I am not ashamed to say I have lived a blessed life. In no way was I super fortunate - we didn’t have a maid; my sister and I had to clean our own rooms. God provided me with an amazing family, though. I have a mother who has always supported me in my ambitions and a dad who did the best he knew how. (We butted heads frequently growing up. Similar personalities, I guess.) I was provided with a car when I turned 16. I was allowed to do what I wanted as long as I kept my parents informed. If I wanted to go out with friends, it was allowed. I was trusted.
God also blessed me with what I often refer to as a “beautiful mind”. (Yes, I say that as a broad reference to the movie. I don’t suffer delusional psychiatric issues, but I do suffer anxiety.) I was privileged to live in a city and be enrolled in a suburban school system which created an amazing program for those gifted, like myself. This allowed me to learn to teach myself. It taught me to interact with and accept those who were different than myself (originally this applied to age). This program allowed me opportunity to take only a half day of school my senior year of high school and co-op the other half of the day. Once in college, I had my share of struggles, but thanked God for the “set-backs” as these allowed me opportunity to meet more people, make more friends, and grow up a little more.
When I graduated college, I was unable to get the job I dreamed of. Instead I got a job in a small town working in the adult equivalent of what I wanted - oncology. (My dream was pediatric oncology.) A year later I was blessed with the opportunity to re-enter city life, work for a big hospital, and have an amazing job. I still work in oncology. I still count my blessings every day.
I consider myself a Christian. I believe in God. If you asked me if I was religious, though, I’d probably somewhat deny it. I also believe in other belief systems - Buddhism, Judaism - and the differences between the different Christian faiths - Catholicism, Methodist, etc. I don’t think one is more right than the other. I do believe God has a plan for all of us, though. I know to trust in Him. Trust that He knows what he’s doing with my life.
I occasionally struggle with my relationship status. I am single (duh) and part of me does want that “American dream”. However, part of me is glad to have my own life. Because of my status, I can be more involved at work - be on more committees, participate in an internship - and continue my education. I am thankful God has given me the opportunities He has and I continue to have faith that one day He will provide the right person at the right time. Who knows, maybe He already has introduced me to this person. Maybe He has already placed this person in my life and it’s just about realizing it.
I was thinking today of my "situation". I was thinking of something said to me about events that transpired recently. It's something that has bothered me and, apparently, the other person involved. It's not something I am proud of, but it happened. The time is over and gone. I must learn from my "mistakes" or, better, lapses in judgment. I will move on. In continuing to think about this, I had a thought pop in my head.
My epiphany of sorts: God doesn't always give you what you think you want; He gives you what He knows you need. Face opportunities, challenges, and changes, then, with an open heart, open mind, open eyes, and open arms. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment