My Worst Job

Since I started blogging last week, I've been retrospective about my life. As I think about topics to write about, I keep coming back to a time in my life where I thought, "It can't get any worse than this."

In the early 90's, I moved to a Michigan to start a new "dream job." I had been praying persistently to the Lord to help me get this job. I was so overwhelmingly grateful to have been so blessed.

I moved to a place where I knew no one. I was so scared, but also excited, too, to embark on this challenging journey. Luckily, I quickly met a close knit group of friends who became like family to me. They really showed me the beauty of kindness. I found a beautiful Catholic church nearby-Shrine of the Little Flower. I had always prayed to St. Therese as a young girl. It meant so much for me to find her there. My life outside of work was wonderful!



Unfortunately, my work life was not. I worked 100 hour weeks. I was exhausted and stressed. To me, though, it wasn't the hours that were horrible - it was the people that I worked with. Everyday I was constantly berated and demeaned, for issues that were not my fault. It was this constant attack that I found unbearable. I felt that the Lord knew the truth, and that the truth would set me free.

I turned to God and asked, "Please help me get through this. Please help me grow from this." This was the worst I had felt in my life at such a young age. I truly thought, it can't get any worse.

Little did I know, this was not to be the worst for me. It was yet to come...



Looking back, I see this experience as a preparation for the rest of my life. I truly became a stronger person with a thick skin. I realized that in the midst of struggle, God can send you His angels to help you. For me, they were the wonderful friends that I had met while there. In addition, I found solace in the beauty of the Mass. I remember sitting at the shrine, with tears in my eyes, because I felt I couldn't take it anymore. I then found strength in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. " I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."(Philippians4:13)



My time in Michigan was a mere 4 years, but looking back, it was something I needed. I had to learn to become a stronger person. I had to learn how to persevere. I had to learn to have true unwavering faith. My life has had its share of even worse storms. It is the Lord who has seen me through them all, helping me grow ever closer to Him.