On March 16, 2020, I was a receptionist and executive assistant. On March 17, 2020, I was forced to work from home for the next 6 months. No one needs a receptionist when the company’s offices are closed due to a global pandemic.

With no certainty that life would return to normal, I had to make a decision. Be open to learning new job skills and expanding my abilities, or face the inevitable pink slip. Thankfully, the leadership at Stamats saw potential and encouraged me to learn new software and business practices. It was hard. I didn’t know what I was doing, and it was maddening. But that sharp learning curve fired up my competitive spirit. It was (is) humbling to make mistakes, but I was determined to grow and become a valuable team member. We were pulling together, and I wanted to be a part of the successes.

Five years later, I hardly recognize the employee I was. Not only have I grown my skills (with a LOT of patience from my co-workers), but my confidence has grown as well. And I’m surrounded by really smart people. 🤩

It’s still not easy, but that’s the point. Growth comes in the struggle.

But I know that any growth is because God pours out His grace and mercy into me. I rely on God for everything. He is my Source for strength, wisdom, comfort, healing, and direction. Smart people are wonderful, but learning from the all-knowing Creator of the universe is on a whole new level.

⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6