My quiet time focused on Zachariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1:23-25. “And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Five months is a long time to be hidden away at home. The devotional this morning suggested that “Perhaps, with such an unusual pregnancy, she took this time to rest out of an abundance of caution, or maybe she simply wanted space to enjoy every moment of this answer to prayer, to truly relish what God had done.”
In so many ways that’s become me… I’ve wanting (and needed) space to relish what God has done these last 7 yrs.
“All her married life, Elizabeth likely endured stares and whispers from her neighbors wondering why this priest’s wife was not a happy mother or, by now, a grandmother.” Oh how I can relate to that… over the years I’ve endured the comments, stares and whispers that people thought I didn’t even know about… Even from my family! But… oh what joy she must have felt when God intervened! Me too!
I lost my job during Covid. It was not a healthy environment for me. I should have been thankful, but truth be told I struggled a lot with the loss. My career was my identity for so many years. Medical marketing and product development was something I was really very good at, and I succeeded… To the demise of some, I went far beyond what was thought of. My own siblings couldn't celebrate my success.
After two years of unemployment, I was offered my dream job… a higher position with staff, managing products I already knew… overseeing a higher revenue portfolio which also meant a higher salary, management benefits /perks and greater paid time off.
As I was negotiating the contract, my friend Armen Abrahamian asked me a simple question that changed everything. He said, “Pam, If you took the job, would you have any regrets?” Without even giving it a second thought I said, “Yes, time with Jeff.” He (and Jeff) said, “You have your answer.” I called the company that very day and declined their offer and stepped into early retirement. I haven’t looked back and I have no regrets.
These last two years have been so sweet! Maybe, just maybe, all I simply wanted was space to enjoy every moment of this answer to prayer, and to truly relish what God had done.
