Yesterday was my last day working as a part-time cake decorator at ShurFine Markets. As I left for my last day of work, I was feeling a bit anxious. I knew that I had a very busy day ahead of me, and I was afraid that I would not be able to get everything done in time. I took a few minutes to pray before I left, and I called to mind one of my favorite Scripture verses for times like this: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) In stressful situations, I also like to pray, “Lord, there is nothing that you and I together can’t handle.” Sometimes, though, I get so caught up in the stress of the moment, I forget to turn to God.
I had to be at work by 6 A.M., so it was still dark when I left the house. Just as I set off, though, the sun started to come up, and it was a particularly beautiful sunrise. Witnessing that glorious sunrise comforted me and filled me with confidence that God would be with me. I arrived at work with a much more positive attitude and was much more peaceful than when I had set out. The day went very smoothly, and I finished everything that I absolutely had to finish.
Now that this chapter of my life is behind me, I find myself reflecting on the past eleven years and on my life in general. There have been many times that God has called me to do something new, and it seems that, in each instance, I have responded with fear and uncertainty. Time after time, though, God has been with me and has used these situations for my good.
I remember when my husband first brought up the idea, over twenty years ago, of me homeschooling our children. I did not feel qualified and balked at the idea. Eventually, though, I gave in and agreed to give it a try. It wasn’t long before I realized that I loved it. I enjoyed teaching our children and learning right along with them. More than that, God used that time to work in me, helping me to grow in self-confidence and assertiveness.
Years later, when my husband first told me that he needed me to go back to work to supplement his income, those same fears resurfaced: uncertainty and fear of the unknown. This time, though, I was a little more confident in my ability. When I saw an advertisement in the paper for a cake decorating job, I decided to go for it. I had never had any formal training, but I had taught myself to decorate and had decorated many cakes for family events over the years.
It’s been eleven years, almost to the day, since I first set foot in the bakery at ShurFine. In spite of the stress of working in retail, the hard work, and the occasional drama, I have really enjoyed working there. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss or better co-workers. I am so thankful for their friendship and for all the help they’ve given me over the years. I’m sorry for the times that I complained when I was under a lot of stress. I hope they know that I really appreciate them and the work they do.
I’m also thankful for all that I’ve learned from working with other, more experienced, cake decorators. I hope that I’m a much better decorator today than I was when I first started.
Although I’m looking forward to retirement, I’ll miss my co-workers and customers. As I close out this chapter in my life, I pray that my working in the bakery has made a difference in the lives of those I’ve worked with and served over the years. If I have done that, then I feel like a success.
As I begin this new chapter in my life, I’m trying to trust God more than I have in the past. Now that I’m retired I plan to spend more time in prayer and in doing volunteer work. I also hope to spend time working on my genealogy projects, hopefully completing some family history books.
I look forward to having more time to spend with my family, especially with those who live out of state. God willing, it won’t be long before the grandchildren start coming. When that time comes, I trust God to help me take up that new role: that of grandmother. Until then, I pray that God will give me all the gifts and graces I need to do whatever he calls me to do.
