Any Job, with ZERO Obstacles to It…? What Would You Choose?
My friend asked me something like this in the past year or so: “If you could have ANY job, with ZERO obstacles to get it… what would it be? Meaning, no budget constraints for schooling, you automatically gain all the skills you need to do it… no job too big or too small, dream big… what would that dream job be?”
I don’t have to think about that one too hard. I know exactly what I would choose.
Growing up, this wasn’t the case. I was told I was smart, that I could be whatever I wanted. I was told I could dream big—even a CEO or lawyer… that I had what it took to think big.
But… for what? Nothing seemed quite right to me….
I Never Knew “What I Wanted to be When I Grew Up”
That question, though… boy did I dislike it: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Why did I loathe it so much? Because I never had a clue. It made me feel like I was SUPPOSED to have it all figured out, but for some reason could not grasp any idea of it.
I never really knew what job/career stood out to me. I tried so many different things, sort of just shooting in the dark to try to find something that would stick… became a “jack of all trades,” if you will.
I was a bank teller, a bridal gown consultant, acting bridal manager, real estate office receptionist, post office clerk, party store employee, nanny, housecleaner, technical school receptionist, temp, pet sitter, file room worker, call center employee for J Crew, church secretary, backup ESL Teacher in Japan, K5 teacher for a year before moving overseas, cashier for a school cafeteria, substitute teacher, sold knives for Cutco, worked with Trades of Hope (still do)…. But it all just felt like I was trying to force something that was just not mean to be for the long haul. Doing well at it but just feeling like it wasn’t the end goal.
God Always Has a Plan… & Sometimes What We Need Is to be Taken Off Course
Cue getting married & moving overseas. I could NOT seem to get a job. It was so discouraging. But I started doing more ministry related things… eventually designing & launching my website back in 2018.
But God never works without a purpose. He always has a plan we don’t see. He is working!
Eventually, through the study “Breaking Free,” by Beth Moore (you can find a link to this resource on the Resources & Recommendations page of my website, found: here), God showed me that although it was okay to mourn what never was–contrary to how it had sometimes felt–it was also not a punishment that I was childless, but rather a beautiful opportunity to pour into others.
(***You can read about that discovery in more detail in my previous post about it: “To the Barren Woman.”***)
God’s Plan Is Better Than What I Can See
You see, I was never huge with maternal instinct vibes, but I wanted kids just simply so I could pour into & disciple them to serve God long after I was gone. To leave behind a legacy for Christ.
And Beth Moore brought up that exact thing. That a mother’s main role is pouring into their children, but as a childless woman, I could pour into THEM, to strengthen & encourage THEM to then pour that overflow into THEIR children.
I bawled my eyes out when God showed me that because I realized in that moment that it was what I wanted more than anything in the world… to share His hope with those who need that reminder. And we all could use that reminder.
If I Could Have My Dream Job
My dream job?
Picture this: a small, quaint office, with a simple desk, a few chairs, a lamp, a bookcase, & a cozy rug. The bookcase has games, coloring supplies, & puzzles on its lower shelves… & books of authors who have led me, inspired me, & encouraged me closer to Jesus on the upper shelves. If a mom with kids, she could bring them to sit & play or color. We could talk. A revolving door for women of all ages: kids to elderly. Accountability, discipleship, prayer meetings. Talking about what the Bible says… talking about life… pointing to Him & His Word to help us navigate it all… prayer… sharing testimonies of His work… tears… laughter… openness… edifying (building up), encouraging (lifting up), & exhorting (urging forward) (AKA what I call “3E conversations”)… walking alongside one another… urging one another to seek Him in all things… all things for His glory.
That’s it. That is my dream job. If I could do ANYTHING, no obstacles…. To talk about Him all day to anyone who will listen. To point to Him in all things… to model praying through it all, seeking His wisdom above the world’s, seeking His face & His glory over anything this temporary world has to offer.
To Live All for the Glory of God
That’s what I want more than anything. To spend my life talking about Him with others.
To spend my life urging others to live life in full surrender, to be their prayer backup when Satan’s lies twist around them, to encourage them through hurts & struggles & pain. To point to GOD, through Christ, as our hope & our purpose in ALL THINGS.
It lights a fire in me. It invigorates me. It inspires me to remember the real reason we were put on this earth, to live for & bring glory to the One true, eternal King, Jesus our LORD.
And guess what? You don’t need to have my dream job to live your life for Him & for His glory… so how can you be doing that right where you are, in the job that you have… wherever God has placed you?
Shine HOPE by serving Him & giving Him glory wherever He may plant you. even if you never get your dream job….
Coming Next Week
Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.
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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
A Note from Michelle:
(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)
This blog/website has been running for 7 years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3
If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!
Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Enhanced Ruby Earrings–INDIA
Create safe jobs for women in India when you shop the Enhanced Ruby Earrings! These stunning drop-style earrings feature an enhanced ruby stone deepening the color of the ruby. Each earring is handmade by women in India earning fair wages for their work. Dress the Enhanced Ruby Studs up for the holidays or wear them as an everyday staple with jeans!
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:
#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.
Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!
Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!
