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Love & Work - by Cami Persson
 God knits us together in the womb. God knows us before we are born.
Psalms 139:13-16
Why does it take so long for us to know ourselves?
The path of my life has been full of wonderful views, perspectives and a handful of craters. It was at a time of inching out of my latest crater that I met Jody Thone, Director of On Purpose Ministries at Trinity. I am now a single mom blessed with two children ages five and eight. I had left my career as an account manager for EDS when my second child was born. Since that time I have moved four times, once to Sweden. Usch Da! (Swedes say usch da, Norweigans say uff da, f.y.i.)
Now the children and I reside in Marine on St. Croix. As I look back at the events that unfolded, I see that this all knits into the story beautifully.
I moved my family at Christmas time thinking it would be fun for us to spend Christmas in our new place. It was also a nice time for the kids to switch schools. I could have moved anywhere and at any time, but I was compelled to move to Marine. The kids loved the school and there was Christ Lutheran Church across the street where we attended on Wednesdays and every other Sunday. We wanted to stay active at Trinity Lutheran Church as well where we have been touched by the messages, missions and strong outreach program. It was at this time that I first met Jody. We talked about the Career & Life Planning process she brings to Trinity. I have been a voracious reader. I have read every book about aligning talents, interests and careers, but I always struggled to find the link between my business mindset and my creative impulses. I struggled to put love and work together. Jody guided me to the book, Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. In it the reader takes an analysis of his/her strengths. My results were strategic, ideation, responsibility, futuristic and self-assurance. Jody helped me see ways to connect my strengths with my passion for design. This work gave us a road map with milestones. I energetically wrote a business plan for my new company Red Mind Design. I networked and attended a Rotary meeting with Tom Thiets. I also researched job postings and companies. I needed to make money as a single parent, but I also wanted a job that was about more than just the money.
One position I applied for was right in Marine on St. Croix at Christ Lutheran Church, walking distance from my home. The opening was for an Office Manager. I have a business background and have had my own companies so I understood the business workings of the office. The job also offered opportunities to create new systems, web design and ways to communicate. I saw parallels to my skills and the position’s potential. In my work with Jody, we unearthed the golden nuggets of my life. From there I learned to reflect and to connect with God through my mind, heart and gut. With this knowledge I was able to evaluate options with meaningful criteria and make a decision that fits who God made me to be.
Jody was instrumental in quieting the noise and anticipated stresses of entering the job market. She helped me find my voice and to be strong enough in faith and character to use it. I now find myself having more peace in the life I have chosen and an easier definition of what belongs in my life and perhaps more importantly what does not belong in my life. I will do my best to exercise the skills I have learned as I face the small and large decisions in life.
I read a very good line from the book Let your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer. In it he shares his conversation with a 90-year-old Quaker woman. When the author poses his life’s work question to her, her reply is, “God also leads by the opportunities that close behind us.” If you take a moment to breathe that in and are in a situation where you did not misstep to be in the crossroads you find yourself, it is very likely He is leading you. What sweet peace and comfort that gives!
The Christ Lutheran Church position was offered to me at hours matching the school day, so I am able to be present for my children. I am finding more ways to apply my talents and work with my passions. How could it be any better? Now I just need someone to show me how to get more hours in the day! Please stay tuned, the www.redminddesign.com website is under construction!
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