Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
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TITLE: Something Beter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Treharne
01/17/08 -
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“Wow. I hope you do. I would never be able to quit one job before I had another one. I’d be too worried about my bills. Good luck, Jill. I hope it all works out for you.”
Three Months Later:
“Jill Spencer? This is Kathy Williamson from Amplified Insurance. I’m calling to offer you the receptionist job you applied for. We’d like you to start on the 15th.”
“Oh … that’s good news. The only thing is I’m waiting to hear from a couple of other firms. Could I have a week or so to make my decision?”
“Well. I can’t promise we can wait that long. But I’ll make a note on your application. Call us as soon as you decide.”
Jill was pleased but frustrated at the same time. “What do you want me to do, Lord? Wait for a better offer or take this one?” She looked at her once manicured nails and wondered if she’d ever have the money to get them done again. The phone interrupted her thoughts.
“How’s the job hunting going?” Sarah asked.
“Oh it‘s okay, I guess. The insurance company called back about the receptionist position and wanted me to start right away. But I’m waiting for the lawyer to call. He pays more and it‘s EXACTLY what I want.”
“Honestly if I were you, I’d accept the receptionist job. It might not be the best, but it WILL pay the bills until a better one comes along. I don’t know how you’ve managed this long.”
“I suppose you’re right. But I’m going to wait a bit longer, anyway. The law job interview went really well and I’m sure I made a good impression.”
“It’s up to you. I hope this job will still be there if the law office DOESN’T offer you the position. “
At church a few months after that, Jill and Sarah talked. “You know that receptionist job I told you about? Well, you were right. I waited two weeks to hear back from the lawyer. When they didn't call, I called them and they said the position had been filled. So I called Amplified to accept their offer but they told me they had hired someone else, too. “
“Oh Jill, I’m sorry to hear that. What are you going to do?”
“Keep looking. It’s all I CAN do. I’m actually living with my parents now, but they‘re having to pay all my bills and I feel guilty.”
“I’ve been praying for you.” said Sarah. “In the meantime, you just need to be patient. You know, I saw an ad in the paper this morning for a housekeeping job. It could help you out while you’re waiting.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do THAT. I appreciate the advice, but I’ll wait on God to find me something better. My folks can afford to help me out for a while longer.”
When the girls next saw each other, it was at the post office. “Wow. What a coincidence,” said Jill, “I … I was just mailing a resume.”
“Are you still at home with your mom and dad?”
Jill fidgeted with the envelope. “Yes. I’ve been filling out applications and sending resumes almost daily and I've had offers. But none of them really suited me. Mom says I’m too picky. She doesn‘t seem to understand that I’m waiting for the PERFECT job. The one God has for me. I’m sure He doesn’t want me to settle for less.”
“Gosh, Jill, I don’t know what to say. I do know that God expects us to do the best we can while we wait for him to show us the way. I don’t mean to sound preachy or anything. None of us wants to work at a job that’s “beneath” us. But maybe one of these lesser jobs will lead to something better. Maybe that’s part of God’s plan for you. Look. Why don’t we get a cup of coffee and check the want ads together?”
Jill looked at her for a moment. “Thanks Sarah. You’re right. Creditors have been calling and late payments are adding up. My folks are coping but I can sense their disappointment. I DO need a job, any job. I just hope God hasn’t given up on me, too.”
“Not likely, my friend. Not likely.”
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