Wow, life changed so fast. It feels like just this morning I was in Reidsville turning the wheels at Aspen and waiting for the next big thing. Little did I know, the next big thing was happening all around me and I didn’t even realize it. That brings me to today as I sit here in the beach house (s/o to Mrs. Collins… I know, I know- LAURA).
A couple weeks ago, I went to Thomas Rhett’s concert in Raleigh (10/10 recommend, he puts on a phenomenal show) and he sang his song “Life Changes”. He makes the statement, “you make your plans and you hear God laughing.” I was today years old when I truly understood the accuracy of that statement. Were not for God’s laugh, I very well may have been writing this from my apartment in Manhattan while getting ready to start school on Monday. Today, I am choosing to be grateful for God’s laughter.
I am a firm believer that everyone at some point causes God to chuckle… and here lately I’m pretty sure he is belly-ache, bent over his chair, cannot breathe, tears in His eyes, laughing at me as I try to navigate this newfound adulthood. My first few weeks in North Myrtle Beach (we will say NMB from here on out), have been spent applying for jobs, though I had one in my mind that I thought was going to be perfect for me. I had been in contact with the employer for quite some time and we worked out a time for an informal interview. They hired me right on the spot. BUT as I went through the interview there were 1000 red flags that shot into the sky like fireworks, and I left feeling devastated. I had planned on this being my place. Somewhere I could hone my skills and perfect my craft. My plans came crashing down in a matter of 2 hours. As soon as I got back to the car, I called Mom (because if Mom can’t fix it, no one can. Right?) She advised me to calm down, go print off my resume, and take it to every coffee shop, bakery, and cafe I drove past. So simple, yet it was the BEST ADVICE EVER. When life kicks you down, wallow for a minute. Then get your tail up and keep moving!
As I drove up and down the coast of South Carolina I had both encouraging and discouraging encounters. Right as I was about to call it a day and return home, the last place I stopped hired me after a firm handshake and a quick glance over my resume (oh don’t worry, I was slightly skeptical too).
Fast forward a little and I am a week and a half in and I am convinced that this is where I am meant to be. My employer and coworkers are the sweetest and kindest people to work for. They even brought me coffee this morning! It’s like they know me or something….
Aside from working part-time and scrambling to make my life somewhat resemble a new normal, I’ve had two weeks of time to do the things I love. Many of the hobbies that were hidden away in the busyness of running Aspen have become a reality in my life again. I’ve been able to truly relax and actually read books past the first two chapters. I’m signed up to take a tap class. I’ve got a pretty nice tan and enjoyed time with family too. It’s been a beautiful ride thus far.
I started training for the bakery on campus this past Monday; it is very similar to an externship where I would attain real-world bakery experience (which you can always use more of, haha). I am enjoying and learning so much. I’ve met some nice people and some not so nice (there’s one in every bunch). Mostly everyone has been incredibly welcoming. As of today, I have made breads, cookies, and biscuits! It has been an adjustment having 12 other people in the kitchen with me, but I am working through it. I also started my UNCG online classes again, we’re down to single digits…. only 9 left!!
To get to the real point of this blog post, besides updating you on my journey, I am here to tell you that just when you think everything is falling apart, calm down, call your mom, and try again. Things may actually be falling into place. We can make our own plans but there is no guarantee they will be kept, but there is a guarantee that God is laughing and waiting for you to knock on the right door.