Rejection

"What if she says no? I just don't think that I could take that kind of a rejection."- George McFly (Back to the Future)

Well, it turns out that we can take rejection. And lots of it. From many different people. Jeff was laid off from his job two weeks ago. His company couldn't pay him any more, so they let him go as well as another guy. And the six other people that still have jobs there might only have one for another few months. The company is not doing well at all.

So we are doing okay. Still have shelter, heat, food, and faith. Jeff is looking and applying for jobs all over the country like a mad man. We like to call it the "Blitz". We have a few opportunities here, and some very far away. But we have also gotten plenty of the rejections. No interviews yet, but we are waiting. Jeff's spirits are still up. We have been through this twice before in our marriage, so we kind of know how to play this game already. Definitely no getting attached to any job or locale until there is an accepted offer.

In the mean time I have been looking for a little part-time something to supplement the income (or lack thereof). Turns out the school district has already hired 50 too many substitutes, so my degree is not helping in that way. I heard of a need at our local library- for a storytime performer. That is the person that does the little story time for little kids at the library. They were looking for someone outgoing, able to sing, dance, wear costumes, and make a basic fool of themself on a daily basis. See- I can do THAT! So I applied and actually got an interview. Whoo-who! At the interview I was informed that nearly 50 people applied for the job, and only 15 were being interviewed. So congratulations on making it that far. I was asked some questions, and then had to put on my performance. This consisted of a song, a finger play, and reading part of a book. No problem. Then for the curve ball. A table full of random props. And I do mean random. A mammoth puppet, a paper mache flamingo, a viking hat.... and I had a minute to do a little improv with some of the things. What???? But I made it through, and made the interviewers smile. Interview over. Ready for the kicker? They would call the one person who got the job by 5:00 that night. Everyone else would know that they didn't get the job, because by 5:00 they will have gotten NO phone call. LAME. Is that professional? So I sat at home waiting. And waiting. And by 5:00 I figured that I had been the lucky recipient of the no phone call rejection. Nice. I am doing fine with this and I will be going to story time next week to see who the lucky phone call recipient was. And why they are so much better than me.

So what am I supposed to learn from this little experience? A greater empathy for Jeff who has to deal with this way more often than me? A boost in my faith? Maybe Jeff will get a job so soon that I didn't even need the job because I would just have to quit anyway. I think that mostly I have learned that it wasn't meant to be. For whatever reason. I just need to know that the Lord is looking out for me and my family. He is aware of my situation, and everything will work out. We will end up at the job and the location where we need to be. And He knows where that is. And since I don't I just need to have the faith in Him. He can carry the burden if I let him. I have also learned that being compelled to be humble isn't very fun, but I needed to learn humility and a greater reliance on the Lord. I can't and don't need to do it all by myself. There is help!

So, if you know of anyone looking for the best web/graphic/multimedia designer there is~ and they pay money, and benefits~ Jeff is the guy! We are willing to relocate if necessary. Just email Jeff or I and let us know. We figure the more eyes and ears that are looking and listening the better. You just never know where the one right thing will come from!