Reflections

Luckily, there are many times in life where we are able to reflect on past experiences. Part of living this mortal life means limited vision--we can hope, dream, and plan for things to happen, but we cannot control every aspect of our future. We don't have "eyes to see", but God does. God's ways are higher than our ways, and I'm grateful He has a plan and helps to guide our lives.  I don't think we would be as happy if life went how we wanted or expected--God's plan allows us to grow more, learn more, be more humble, and be not only happier, but more joyful. Lasting happiness-the best kind. 

I mention this because Patrick and I have been reflecting lately on his job and how he has gotten to be where he is. I mentioned previously that he now works at Specialized, but looking back at how he got there and continues to progress, we can't look at that and not recognize and be thankful for God's hand in it all. There is so much we simply cannot do alone. 

When Patrick was working in finance and with commercial loans he worked in a specialty department at Zion's Bank. He had worked his way up into different positions and had a steady career path laid in front of him. It was comfortable (because he worked with some cool people and with cars, which he loves) and it was safe--there are jobs in finance. But God doesn't want us to stay in our comfort zone, and sometimes growth takes us out of the safe zone. Patrick felt a need for change, but you can't necessarily up and move jobs or seek out your passion when you have bills to pay, a spouse, or a family that is dependent on you. That's when some fear sets in. God knows that though, and if He sends the Holy Ghost to nudge us a little, He will help us find the courage and take the steps to what lies ahead for us. 

Well, an opportunity was provided for Patrick. As he was keeping his eyes open for new job experiences, he came across a job posting for BMW Financial Services. His experience made him very appealing to those hiring and he was offered different interviews. After one interview in particular, he was offered the job and they wanted him to start two weeks from then, and needed his answer within 24 hours. It's hard to pray and receive answers on a time crunch! However, after much prayer and discussing the opportunity together, we both felt it was an excellent opportunity for Patrick, so he took the job and started soon after, in August of 2020. As he worked for BMW, Patrick had the skills and the experience to do the job but learned quickly that even though the company and people who worked there were awesome, the position was simply not a good fit for him. He worked long hours at home, staring at a screen and approving credit all day. If you know Patrick you know he loves to socialize and work with people! He is not a desk-job type of person, but thrives on getting to know people and working by getting up and doing. And so, Patrick decided BMW was not for him. Why did we feel that it was right weeks earlier then? We determined that by being given the opportunity with BMW, Patrick was given the courage he needed to leave his job at Zion's Bank. Sometimes we have to take a step or two into the dark before we can start to see what lies ahead in the light. 

 After BMW Patrick decided to take some time to focus on school. He is in the ending stages of finishing his Bachelor's degree so the schooling is tough, the effort and time it takes can be exhausting, and working a full time job at the time was just a lot on his plate. He took some time for school and then gave a little bit of time helping a neighbor of ours with his startup business. After some time with that, he took a job with UPS. This decision was made to give us a little more money financially, and he could work a job early in the morning and then have the entire day to do homework and focus on school. Sound like a good plan? Depends who you are, haha. Patrick is fine to do manual labor, but soon found out UPS was not as good of a fit as he thought, either. It was hard to feel fulfilled working a few hours in the morning when a lot of the world (and certainly me) sleeps, and then even though he had enough time for homework, he just felt the need for something more fulfilling. He began searching for different warehouse jobs, something easy where he could still give of himself at work, but have enough left mentally when he got home to be able to do homework. It was in this search that he came across Specialized Bicycle Components. This job has been good to him since he interviewed! He started in January 2021 packing and shipping equipment, and after two weeks his leads talked with him about moving up in the company. Not much time has elapsed, and he has worked himself into a lead position with even more potential. 

Specialized is a pretty amazing company as it reminds me of the gospel: they meet you where you are, and desire and help you to grow into so much more and realize your potential. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said in a talk "Come as you are", a loving Father says to each of us, "but don't plan to stay where you are." 

I do consider ourselves lucky to be able to reflect on past experiences in life. This one is one of many where, even though for a time there is stress and worry, we see that God was always in control. It's where our testimonies can be strengthened. We didn't know when the job process started with Specialized that it would be anything more than a temporary job while Patrick finishes school--but we see now how much potential and growth it holds--and Patrick loves his job! It is such a good fit, and we give all credit to our Heavenly Father for helping us find this path.