(Disclaimer:  I’m a grammar Nazi — except when it comes to Southernisms.  You will find that proper grammar is optional when I’m speaking Southern.  Expect more than one dangling participle in this blog).

When I graduated high school, getting a college degree gave you a leg up, and I was determined to get mine.  These days, a bachelor’s degree just puts you on a level playing field.  It’s just hard to forge a living without an education anymore.  Making sure my children have a college education is of utmost importance to me.  I believe in giving them every opportunity to start out on the right foot when they leave the nest, no matter what I have to do to get it.

By early 2009, student loans for my girls were piling up neck deep, and I was wondering how in the world I was going to pay them all. They were both nursing students at Liberty University, and I had no doubt they were right where they both were supposed to be.  I constantly prayed for God to show me a way where there seemed to be no way. If they were going to stay in school, and I had one more graduating high school soon, I had to figure it out — right quick like.  I was already working one full time, and three part time jobs.  I just couldn’t add another one.

My future son in law, also a student at Liberty, was looking for a job on campus so he could get free tuition.  He noticed there was an accountant position open and asked me why didn’t I apply. Interesting idea! Free tuition sounded like the most beautiful two words in the English language to me.

So I applied.  And I waited . . .  and waited . . . . and waited.  Being the super sleuth that I am, I found out who the accounting manager was and sent him a well worded email.  Still nothing. A month or so passed, and I sent him yet another intelligent, savvy email.  Finally a response!!  He simply said he was still looking over applications, but he would let me know if I’m selected for an interview.

So I prayed.  And waited some more.

When I found out I was chosen for an interview, boy was I was nervous — to the point of sweating, and I don’t sweat.  I hadn’t sweated since 2002 when I was in Thailand for a mission trip. But now my pits were making up for lost time.

In spite of my damp and most likely smelly underarms, I thought the interview went well.  Paul, the Accounting Manager, who like me, also didn’t seem to have an accountant personality, said he would let me know something soon.  Somehow, there was an immediate bonding between us. I felt good about it but was too scared to get my hopes up.

By the second interview, I realized Paul and I were kindred spirits.  He was a lot of fun and made me feel at ease.  There was considerably less sweating this go ’round! When it was just the two of us, I leaned in and said, “So tell me.  Who’s butt do I have to kiss to get this job?”  (I do NOT recommend this as an interview tactic!!!)  To my relief, he laughed.  This was already a good sign, because there is little more I enjoy than laughing.

While I was waiting to hear from Paul, I continued to do what I was supposed to be doing.  I went to work at all my jobs.  I cooked and cleaned.  I took care of my son and the girls when they were home.  I paid the bills.  Got my oil changed.  Went to church.  When you are in the waiting room, you just keep doing the next right thing, whatever that is.  Don’t stop swimming.  Don’t stop plowing. Put one foot in front of the other.  I was doing my part.  The rest of it was up to God.  He had to do what only He could do if I was going to move forward.

Whatever is happening, finding comfort in the Word always helps me.  King David was just a shepherd boy, tending his father’s sheep, when he was chosen and anointed to lead Israel. The youngest son of Jesse.  The least likely to be king.  But chosen nonetheless.

It would stand to reason that if you’ve just been anointed king, that there might be some sort of ceremony, or a parade!  Look at all the to-do over Prince William’s beautiful babies, and they’re just in line for the throne.  What would it be like to actually be pronounced KING of the land? But that’s not what happened to David.

I Samuel 17:15 says, “but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.”  

David went back to tending his father’s sheep. Saul continued to be king, even though David had been anointed.  There were no coronation festivities.  No big announcement. No even a crown. Not yet anyway.  He was forced to wait, and while he waited, he was faithful with what he’d been given to do.  He fought off bears and lions with his bare hands to protect the sheep.  He slew Goliath the Giant with a sling and a stone to protect the Name of the Lord. He was doing all he could do. It was up to God to do the rest.

The day finally came for David to be crowned King.  The Bible calls him “a man after God’s own heart.”  He wasn’t without fault, that’s for sure.  But he was patient while he was waiting for the next phase.

And the day finally came that I got the offer from Liberty.  I was proud to be a part of the accounting staff, and Paul was the best boss I could ever hope for.  I got that free tuition for my girls.  It was one of the best times of my life.

If you’re in the waiting room, be encouraged, dear friend.  It’s not the end of your story. Do all you can do.  Get your education if you need one.  Work hard.  Be the best employee you can be. The best friend.  The best neighbor.  The best son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother. God can’t do your role for you, and you can’t do His.

I’m an accountant by trade.  And an aspiring writer. I find myself in the waiting room yet again, looking forward to the day where I can just write or speak.  In the meantime, being a numbers person pays the bills. I’m going to keep being faithful with what I’ve been given until such a time I’m given more. I’m going to be the best wife, mother, friend and finance director.  The waiting room really ain’t so bad.  I think I’ll grab a Cheerwine and a pack of Nabs, and have a seat.