Conundrum...

Ok - so three jobs applications with one interview so far, and the reason for not getting the job or even an interview has been the same each time - "not enough experience." Now, I know I've only applied for three jobs, but I'm already puzzled - how do I get the experience if I can't get a job? It's a mystery! Maybe solved by doing some volunteering - but therein also lies a problem - I can volunteer to get experience, that will hopefully result in my getting a job, but volunteering doesn't bring money in and anyway, how much volunteering would constitute enough "experience"?!

And then I got thinking and realised that I am just so grateful that God doesn't say to us "not enough experience" when we offer ourselves into His service. In fact, we are called to offer ourselves, as we are - with all our inadequacies and insecurities and inabilities - because His experience is enough. We don't have to have experience, we simply have to rely on Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 'But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. "My grace is sufficient for you"'

How great to be supremely qualified for the ultimate job because of our inadequacy! God is able to achieve His purposes through our willingness to be vulnerable and to step beyond what we think we are capable of so that He can work through us.

I have no idea how many job applications I will have to fill in, how many interviews I will be called for or how much voluntary work will constitute experience - but I do know this...

I don't think I'll ever feel adequately qualified to do all that God is calling me to, so I'm grateful that it's not a requirement of the post. Who I am is qualification enough - and if God is calling me, who am I to argue? My place in His family has never been a condition of experience - so while I wait to see what happens next, I will continue to serve Him - totally reliant on His experience - His love - His grace...

Application, application, application

Despite being on a shortlist of three, I didn't get the job at Redcliffe so I'm on the hunt for a job! I've applied for one already this week and have another application form to fill in by Monday. Ah, it's a fun life :)

What I'm finding the most difficult is all this handwriting - in capitals no less - it's such a pain (literally!) I don't think I've done as much writing since my leadership exam a couple of years ago and it makes my hand ache!

In between filling out forms I'm still working on the house. Our bedroom is finally devoid of boxes, although the hall way is now accommodating our next donation to charity as a result of sorting through everything. It will be good to pass this stuff on and we'll find out that our hall way is actually quite spacious! I've also painted the downstairs toilet, which means that it no longer looks like the contents of a piccalilli jar. I painted it a much calmer white with a hint of jasmine and removed the lurid yellow lampshade that just made everything even more yellow (if that's possible!!).

So, what's next...more forms and more decorating. I'm going to be working on the kitchen - wallpaper stripping this time, then on with the painting of the ceiling and walls. I'll also begin the preparation in the old boiler cupboard which we're converting into a shower room.

But the summer holidays are almost upon us so I'll have to work around the girls - might try persuading them to help (?!) Hmm...let's see how that pans out :)