The Future, and Me

As some of you are aware, my position at the U of M is not a permanent one, but a contracted one. Unlike my previous jobs, I am not an independent contracted employee, but a member of the union. As such, when the contract with the union is up, it needs to be reviewed and then re-staffed. This is one of those times.

So, I've reapplied for my job. I have an interview on Wednesday, in which I will do my best to make it as hard as possible for someone else to get picked. That is, after all, the point of a job interview.

People ask me if I'm scared or nervous or anxious about what is coming. After all, it could be the case that I don't get hired for this role, which would mean I would need a new job, and need to find a new place to live. Add to those pursuits the upcoming change in my marital status, and that could make June a very stressful month indeed.

I'm not scared. I'm not nervous. I'm not worried. I'm not anxious.

Now, one might reasonably conclude that I am confident that I'll be rehired for this position. After all, if I believe that I'll be getting this job, then the interview process is certainly nothing to be concerned about.

I have no such confidence. In fact, I am leaning toward skepticism that I'll be hired again. This isn't false modesty or fishing for a compliment; I simply don't feel certain that I'll get the job.

So, all that in mind, why am I not worried? Why does this not stress me out?

It’s because I know who I am, and I know who I serve (1 John 3:1).
It’s because I have been given a promise that God will always be with me, and will never fail me (Heb 13:5).
It’s because I am told that the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe has my needs in mind, and will make sure I have the things I need (Luke 12:22-31).
It’s because I believe that peace which outstrips my comprehension is given freely by God (Phil 4:7).

Why worry? I’ll get the job or I won’t. They’ll want me back or they won’t. In either case, I will do what I can to glorify God, in every way I can. If that means moving to another job, I will. If that means working here again, and doing something different in how I did the job, I will. God has blessed me with talent, skill, and education; and even if I was an incompetent oaf who barely passed school, God does amazing things with flawed people. It is not my awesomeness that gives me peace, it is His.

I am no fool. I am not naive. I will need a job of some kind, in order to provide shelter and food - I suspect Laurel would insist on eating, and not getting rained on - but He has promised that I will have my needs met. Who can make a promise like that except God?

So, if you’re wondering what I’ll be doing next year, the only answer I have for you is completely independent of who signs my paycheques: By His grace and strength, I will be doing everything I can to glorify Him, and make Him known to the people in my life. The rest is just details.