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Before God initiated the eighth of ten plagues, He explained that he hardened Pharoah’s heart so that the people of Israel would see His signs and pass them on to the generations to come…so that they would know that God is the Lord. Each plague was a confrontation with and judgment on an Egyptian god. The tenth plague—involving death of firstborn children and animals—revealed God’s power because the Egyptians considered Pharoah’s son a god.
God recognized that we need constant and consistent reminders that He is the One True God. Everyone worships someone or something. As for me, I’m a planner. Last year, I even spoke to Between Jobs Ministries on “Strategic Planning for You: A Dozen Steps for Success.”
But let me share some examples of how God had to slow down my plans to ensure I had “no other gods before Him.”
Marriage & Family
Growing up, I always pictured myself as married with a family, much like how I grew up; however, I rarely dated. I like to think that I was “selective.” That…and a combination of being shy and quiet likely kept me from the dating scene.
While in graduate school, I moved from the college department to the singles group at church. There, I met Jennifer. She was an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Texas A&M, and for the longest time, I thought she was too old for me. When I finally garnered the courage to ask her out on a date, we had a fun time. We would often go for bicycle rides or play basketball together. The more we dated, the more I was convinced that she was the one meant for me.
However, Jennifer had plans of her own. She planned to serve as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at A&M then move on to another Division I school. So, she decided it was time to break it off, so she could determine her next career move. On the one hand, I was broken-hearted, but on the other, I recall saying, “If Jennifer wasn’t the one God had for me, there must be a very special woman out there.”
But God was still at work on me. While my heartbeat had always been to be married and have a family, I needed to be OK if that was not God’s will for me. I came to grips with the fact that God may not want me to be married and “seek not a wife” as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:27.
About the time that I let go of my plans of being married with a family, God began to move in Jennifer’s heart.
We ultimately began dating again, and we’ll soon celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary! Plus, Jennifer had to let go of plans she made early in life: “to never live in Houston” (she married a NASA guy, who worked there!) and “to never coach at a community college” (she had two highly successful years leading Galveston College’s volleyball team before deciding to stay at home with our family). Looking back on it, I can see God’s sense of humor playing out in our story…
Career Goals
Pictured above are L-R: Harv Hartman, the HR Director who hired me; Natalie Saiz who was my mentor and HR Director from 2004-2015; and Greg Hayes, who was Deputy HR Director when I was hired then HR Director for six years.
Early in my NASA career, HR Directors and leaders would tell me, “You’ll be the HR Director some day.” Some of my mentors and peers said, “Some day, I’ll be working for you.” Over fifteen years, I climbed the career ladder, moving into progressively more responsible positions of leadership in JSC’s Human Resources Office, culminating in my selection as Deputy HR Director in 2010. I was poised for the pinnacle of my career; however, by 2014, it was very unclear if I would make the jump to the HR Director position.
After much prayerful consideration, I had to “let go” of those plans for my life and be OK with not becoming JSC’s HR Director.
Shortly thereafter, I started pouring my passions for leadership and leadership development into a blog, which led to some opportunities for leadership speaking. I also became an independent certified John Maxwell Team Coach and Speaker. During this time, I began to understand what mentors told me nearly seven years earlier that my dreams of being HR Director were “too small.”
By 2015, God moved to open the door to the HR Director position at JSC, where I serve today. But now, I have a new passion, so I can see life beyond that particular role, so I am very thankful that God brought me through a time of learning and broadening my vision.
What’s Next?
Through my blog and speaking opportunities, I am slowly building notoriety and attention. I have a vision of writing books and speaking, especially following my career at NASA.
Given my experiences, that makes me wonder, “What if God wanted me to let it all go?” I need to be OK if my vision is not God’s best for me. I need to leave my hands open to see where He leads.
It makes me think of a boat in the middle of the sea. The waves—of material goods, pleasure, fame, money, and people’s applause—constantly push us away from God. I need to work to return to God daily…
Thank you, God, for The Ten Commandments and for Your many reminders and calls to follow You alone. I recognize that aligning my life around a relationship with Jesus Christ is the best way to Shoot for the Stars!