“There are No real coincidences in life for those with faith strong enough to recognize coincidences for what they really are: intricate pieces of the providential design God created for each of our lives”
― Delia Parr, Love's First Bloom
Six years ago my Small Groupies were helping me process my fears about a big upcoming change in my life. I accepted a position at LM in Mishawaka and would be working 11:00 AM - 7:15 PM Monday thru Friday. This was an answer to prayer! I had been waitressing for 6 months and would seriously cry if I got a bad or non-existant tip because I was only making $2.13 an hour and needed to pay my bills! Oh, and I would soon have health insurance again, which was something I didn't have for a year! This was a GOOD change! :-) Those who know me, know that change is hard for me. The smaller the change the better! LOL :-) I'm still having mini freak outs because the new coat I bought this week isn't as warm as my old one was! See, I told you I have a hard time with change! I often allow my fears, whether rational or not, to rule my mind and sabotage any excitement I have about an upcoming change in my life.
In regards to this particular life change, I was convinced that I would no longer have a social life since I worked till 7:15pm. Most of my friends started work at 8:00 AM. No one would want to meet me for dinner at 7:30pm, and I couldn't be involved at Church because most things started at 6:30pm! This was a big deal and a real fear! My small group jokingly and lovingly asked, "So do you think your friends will turn into pumpkins at 7:15pm?" Well, when they said it that way, it was funny! Of course not! LOL Most people do not go to bed at 7:30 PM. We still joke about it to this day! Eventually I got into my new routine and yes, friends did still meet me for Dinner, and a Sunday night small group began, which was a HUGE Blessing for me!
Those who know me, also know that I am a huge numbers and dates gal! I started my new job on March 17th, 2008. It was because of working in the same building, that I eventually met and started dating Jonathan (who had started working at LM just 5 months before I did). Our first date was October 9th, 2009 (Thanks to Sara and Doug!!!). We got engaged December 10th, 2010 and we were Married on July 8th, 2011. I was 37.5 years old and Jonathan turned 36 just two days after the wedding. About a year after we got married, Jonathan was asked by his Dad to be his power of attorney. His Dad had lung cancer and needed our help. He was hospitalized many times and was in a nursing home the last 5 months of his life. Jonathan stepped up to the plate to help get his Dad the care he needed. Those were 5 difficult months, but we treasure the memories and time spent with K-Man. He knew he was loved! His Dad passed away on February 26th, 2013. We planned the Memorial Service on the 27th and the 28th I was admitted to the hospital and 2 days later had my dead and gangrenous gallbladder removed. I was released the next day and went straight to his Dad's memorial service. Wow! Last year at this time was rough, REALLY, REALLY rough, but we were so blessed to have each other for support and encouragement. Jonathan took great care of me!
Fast forward to December of 2013. Jonathan applied for a different position at LM. It was a long process and he had to give a presentation. He was notified on the 1 Year Anniversary of his Dad's death (February 26th, 2014, that he GOT the new Position! He is being promoted! I am so PROUD of him and excited for him! I know he will do a great job and this job will better utilize his many talents! He starts his new position as Trainer on Monday, March 3rd, 2014! :-)
Here is the best part of this whole story for this "numbers gal"! The first new hire class that Jonathan will train, starts on March 17th, 2014. My 6 year Anniversary at LM is on March 17th, 2014! If anyone would have told me on March 17th, 2008 (my first day at LM in the training class), that 6 years from today I would be Married to the new Trainer at LM, I NEVER would have believed it!!!!! First of all, I never thought I'd get married, even though I really wanted to, and secondly, I was completely against being friends with anyone from work! LOL Thanks to Holly for not listening to me when I told her I didn't make friends at work! LOL If it weren't for her, I probably wouldn't have even considered dating someone who worked in the same building as I did!
Wow! Just Wow! This numbers girl is very happy! So many things happened that I believe were orchestrated by God to get us to the point we are at now! I don't believe it was just a bunch of coincidences. I'm so thankful God brought us together and continues to shower our lives with His Blessings! I love you Jonathan! I'm your biggest Cheerleader and I am so very proud to be called your Wife! We have a lot to celebrate this weekend in Chicago and a lot to celebrate on Monday, March 17th! :-)
