Have you ever felt like you needed to make a u-turn in your life? I feel as if I made an extraordinary u-turn in mine and the freedom and peace I have received from my change of direction is invaluable. I had been wanting to change jobs. In a series of events , which I now understand God’s hand was on entirely, I left a highly stressful job to become a part-time administrative assistant for a local church. The day I turned in my letter of resignation is second to Trevor’s death as the most profound u-turn in my life. Everything shifted in each of those events. My life would never be the same. As I handed my boss the letter and explained that I was looking for more in my life, I got the impression that he felt as if I was taking a step down the career ladder. If the career ladder meant more to me, he could have been right. However that was not the ladder I was destined to climb. My job had become one of such stress that I dreaded going to the office each day. Following Trevor’s death, I wasn’t really able to take the time I needed to grieve. Although life does go on, as a mother who has lost a child, it is extremely difficult to keep up with the stresses of the world and heal your heart. I remember frequently thinking that I just needed the world to stop for one day. I wanted one day to catch up with my thoughts and my feelings and to refill my cup of life. In church one Sunday morning, the pastor asked for prayer for a change in administration of the church, as the current assistant had taken another position. I thought to myself how nice it would be if I could take the job and work in the church, but felt it was impossible. The job was only part-time and I knew would be less income for our family. That afternoon I prayed for God to show me a way to be able to make this change. I knew that I would be good for the church and the church would be good for me. In a turn of events nothing short of miraculous, I was interviewed and accepted the position that same week. I gave two weeks notice to my prior employer of the past 10 years and my life did a 180. As I turned in my resignation, a wave of peace rushed over me. I felt as if my life was about to slow down, yet I had no idea what a total change it would make for not only myself but my family, as well. I began this new position in February. After only four months, the u-turn in my career path has made me new. I feel as if I have another chance at life. I wish that I could truly convey the joy and peace that comes from this change of direction. I am reminded of the woman at the well. Jesus offered her the water and said she would “never be thirsty again.” He was offering her a u-turn, much like was offered to me. I have been called in a new direction. This is my new beginning. Much like a u-turn while driving reverses our direction, I feel as if my life has been redirected. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus had a change of heart. He trusted in God’s grace and acted on his faith. I have done the same. I have a new love for God. I love my life, my marriage, my family, my job, and my friends. When Trevor died, the old me died with him, but God’s grace has made me new. The u-turn restored my faith.
Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom. ~John 3:3
danacox31 
Dana,
You have already been such a blessing to our church.