Rejection, Rewards & Rest
Initially written in June 2022 for The Good Letter (my newsletter).
Rejection
Nobody likes rejection, whether from a potential job, a current job or a community, friends etc., the list is endless, but the truth is that it happens every day.
A few months ago, I had a preliminary screening interview for a job I could do with my eyes closed and hands tied behind my back. I was so sure and hopeful that I’d get the job — your girl calculated average salaries, potential dates, time off and more; that’s how convinced I was that I’d get the job. Then a few days ago, I received a not-so-promising email stating that I wouldn’t have additional interviews. I was sad for what felt like two seconds, and then I got over it because God had prepared me for this email.
A few minutes before the email came through, I began wiping down my kitchen counter, and as I repeated the circular motion with my cloth, I also heard myself saying, “God knows what He is doing with me.” My quiet thoughts about my life brought an audible revelation — God’s got me. In sync with my cloth, I kept repeating this truth, and that’s when the notification came through. In the two seconds that I was disappointed, the Holy Spirit reminded me of what just happened, causing me to smile because what I was saying wasn’t “just because”; it was God preparing and reminding me to be sure and hopeful in His plans for my life.
I’m convinced that the good things God planned for me long ago include this crucial moment. The rejection email is a part of His good plan for me and, most importantly, for His glory.
Rewards & Rest
As you might know, I began showcasing my writing skills with an idea I called the “ABCs of Me”. Yesterday, after an unscheduled break from writing, I posted my entry for “R”. Crazy thing about this post is that I wrote it 4-weeks ago, and when I did, I thought it was crap! That, and between completing a UX Design Bootcamp project, I decided not to even bother rereading my draft. But when I read it yesterday, I realised how good it was, so I decided to include it here. But, before I do, a lesson for you and I is that we’re to be careful not to let pride and fear cause us to discard (reject) what God has called good or what He has given us to manage well.
I’ll leave you with this: By refusing to ask for help or failing to use our gifts as God instructs [because of fear and pride], we risk getting in the way of someone else’s blessings and in the way of God’s glory. Let’s not. Let us be bold and gracious instead, committing all things concerning us into His precious hands.
R for Rewards
Written: 29 May 2022
Yesterday, I asked God for “a word” for the letter R. My nocturnal inspiration kicked in, and I thought of dedicating the following letters to some of my favourite characters from my stories. I typed the names, but no words followed. Finally, feeling defeated that I couldn’t make the most of the nervous energy that kept me awake, I conceded to myself and God that I was tired. I closed my writing app and said, “God, I know You’ll give me the right words.”
This afternoon, I prepared some content for a client and designed a simple graphic on Canva. Just as I started, a pop-up appeared congratulating me on reaching 500 designs on Canva! 500?!? How and when? While trying to determine if it was worth celebrating, God whispered the word “Rewards.” My heart leapt with joy, causing my mouth to form a mischievously-grateful grin.
Rewards are worth celebrating, especially the unexpected ones.
Earlier in the day, I watched a short video by MoChunks, and the essence of her message was that sometimes you have to put your head down and do the work; even when it’s daunting or inconvenient, just do it because the payoff will be rewarding.
Then I saw a post where someone mentioned that sometimes we have the energy to get stuff done, and sometimes, life will life us to the point where we can’t get anything done. The person emphasised the importance of rest, and how it’s crucial for success, but once we’ve rested, we get back up and get to work because the reward for diligent and excellent work is waiting.
Deep down, these words I’ve written aren’t for you; they’re for me. A reminder that things will pay off in the end.
Diligence & Excellent Work = Reward & Rest
In light of this, I consider my greatest reward in this moment of revelation. Of all my rewards, this is the only one I haven’t had to work for and could never earn even if I tried. This reward, from which all my other rewards stem, is the Gift of knowing and experiencing the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is my real life.
Life with Jesus is immeasurably rewarding and filled with sweet rest.