The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter in LIFE 

Looking back over my life, I never would have thought that I would be where I am at this very moment. New Town. New Job. New Title. New Me. PURE EXCITEMENT. I wonder what is next for me. No worries on this end because I am open to whatever life may bring. I am embracing who I am. Yes EMBRACING. I have been shaped by my experiences and environments. I am well prepared to walk into my "next." The beginning of this "next" chapter has been met with some resistance; however, the resistance is what made me work harder and push harder in prayer. Resistance has encouraged me. If my next chapter was meaningless, there would be no resistance. Resistance is meant to discourage and make one shrink back. Instead of shrinking back, I decided to meet resistance head on...which takes much courage, but I am much more stronger, more wiser, more faithful and more hopeful now. :))

The Preparation

Just as doctors are prepared for helping patients, just as lawyers are prepared for administering legal support for clients and just as educators are prepared to educate students, I have been prepared for "this." I am not talking in the sense of educational preparation; life experiences was my teacher and tutor. I took everything that was thrown at me and sought to see the silver lining. I reflected upon every experience to find the lesson. I had every right to be bitter, but I chose not to be bitter. It was a process, I must admit, but that process gave me joy and peace. 

My Outlook

I did not wake up one day and say, "Hey, I am going to choose joy over bitterness and worry over peace." Matter of fact, there were times where I would choose bitterness and worry because it was familiar to me. It was all I knew. Then, I discovered Joseph. No not Joseph Jesus' earthly father, but Joseph the eleventh son of Jacob whose story is told in Genesis. Joseph kept the faith while being sold by his brothers, enslaved and imprisoned. He was never bitter nor did he worry. He was just the best Joseph he could possibly be despite his environment and situation. Eventually, Joseph was able to "shine" for the world to see. But out of all of that, what is most impressive is that Joseph declared to his brothers, "(20) But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. (21) Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." Wow. Now that is Godly character; despite how he was treated Joseph still promised to take care of his family. And, Joseph did not dwell on their wrong doings toward him. This is why he is my favorite. There are great lessons in his story.

This next chapter is welcomed because I am positive whatever may come my way, I am ready, well prepared and I will learn from my experiences in order to become a better ME.