What Am I Going To Do Now?

About a year ago, after teaching an alcohol awareness class, I suddenly realized that my level of knowledge about alcohol is much higher than a vast majority of people. I’m not necessarily an expert, but I do have quite a bit of knowledge and have developed skills at teaching.

Now what?

With very little thought, I realized that the logical next step for me is to become a drug/alcohol counselor within the Navy. I flirted with the idea fifteen years prior, but simply didn’t have the life experience - yet. But now, I thought, I’m ready.

So I asked my detailer, “Can I?” He’s the guy who makes the decision on where I move to every three years in the great tradition of Navy adventure. His answer - “Forget it. It’ll never happen and you’ll be wasting your time asking.” Ouch. Further, he told me that no one of my seniority in my job specialty had ever been released outside of the field. I was destined to be working in computer/electronics repair until I left the Navy.

Was I deluding myself? At first, I thought that God was guiding my life, giving me opportunities to learn and grow, making this the logical next step for me. But if the detailer says no, then the answer is no. Or is it?

I prayed. I asked God to help me understand. I asked for a sign. Was this something I should pursue, or something I should let go for now? And God answered.

The next week, a woman I work with in the same specialty and similar seniority also talked to the detailer. Her question - “What is the possibility of being released out of the specialty and becoming a recruiter?” His answer - “No promises, but we can probably make that happen.”

I don’t know why I was told no and she was told yes, but I did indeed see this as the sign I was looking for. I set my sights on becoming a counselor for my next tour. I determined all the requirements and made sure I exceeded them. I continued learning and continued teaching. I sought, and received, recommendations from my seniors. I found out the best time to ask, and almost a year after being told “No” in no uncertain terms, my official request was approved. I may not start as a counselor for a year or more, but the first hurdle is cleared.

I believe that God is infinitely wise. He knows that when we enjoy what we’re doing, we do it with so much more enthusiasm, vigor and joy. He knows we excel doing what we love to do. Knowing this, and with a desire for us to be happy, He plants seeds of joy within us to discover, nourish and grow. Some discover those seeds while they are young, born with lifelong passions. Others of us simply do the best we can in the present, always striving to grow, to learn and to love. And then one day, we discover that God has indeed taken us further along the path.

- Darril R. Gibson