Knowing When To Move

A friend sent me this quote over the weekend.

"There is such a thing as "Waiting on the Lord." However, the danger of stagnation is also very real. Learning to distinguish between the two, and finding that critical balance of knowing when to move and when to be still is the process we call LIFE."

I have been thinking about my current job situation and how the job search is really starting to feel like a second job. While I haven't entirely reached major frustration levels yet, it is tiring and time consuming searching for jobs, tailoring cover letters, then following up for what really ends up seeming like a lucky break with a recruiter or fortunate timing with a job opening.

It takes a long time trying to think about the next career move and, in my case, I'm really hoping for an entire career change. But what will really end up happening is anyone's guess! I'm pursuing both avenues at this time. One resume is tailored to the next logical career move based on my current experience, and another one is tailored towards a 'foot-in-the-door' opportunity in a different industry.

I've been thinking about the old adage of "opportunity is preparation meeting luck". How much effort is too much effort? And how much time and effort should we put into pursuing something that does not seem to be producing any fruit? And is it really "preparation meeting luck", or is it just "go about life and luck"? If that makes any sense...

So I asked my friend one of the most unanswerable questions of all time: how much of life is really just surrendering to God and allowing him to provide in my life, versus the free will argument and taking action towards my chosen destiny? This is an entirely bigger debate for another time, so I'll just leave this as is, and you can ponder at your own leisure. :-)

It's a fine line I'm walking right now. I'm doing all the right things in the tangible way, but then there's the 'letting go and letting God' part of it. I need to detach from the outcome of my actions. I can hope for a certain outcome, but I need to keep reminding myself that what I want and what I think I want may not be the things that God knows I need, and I'm certain the opportunities will reflect the latter. It's definitely a different way of viewing life, for sure. I may want things to end up a certain way, but I need to be careful not to be focused on what I'd like it to be like, rather than appreciating it for what it is.

How does one really know when and what kind of move they need to make, versus when to surrender and just 'be still', to just 'be' in season they are at? I'm not really looking for an answer, I guess. It's all a matter of faith and I've still got that deep sense of gratitude I've posted about before. There's still this sense in my gut that I know I'm on the verge of something bigger. I feel like I'm at a critical juncture and God's preparing me for the wonderful thing(s) that are to come. It's weird, but that feeling is still there. It's awesome! And I'm not quite sure what to do with it!

Anyway, any and all job search advice, words of wisdom, prayers, good vibrations, or positive mantras you'd like to send my way, please do! I think it's gonna be a while before something changes with the job situation.

Thanks, ya'all!

-RM