Why I had to Listen

Do you have a song that really speaks to you, that you just HAVE to listen to in full? Whether it’s your wedding song, a song your mother sang to you, or a song that makes you think of your friends…I am sure you have a song. 

I have a number of songs that are special to me, but there is just one song that I feel like God uses more than others to speak to me. With a message I can't ignore.

I previously wrote a blog about my experience with this song when I left my first OT job, my full-time gig at Hazelwood Early Childhood. I was a wreck thinking about leaving my coworkers and all the kids. I was in the car praying about it, not listening to the radio at all even though it was on. Then I tuned in to hear the line “My seasons change, You stay the Same.” It was a moment that I will never forget. It was my sign that this choice to leave my job to go part-time at Mercy was the one I needed to make. 

That happened almost 6 years ago. Fast forward to this September when I made a choice to apply for a new position at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I have worked as part of Mercy Kids outpatient therapy for almost 6 years. I love my team, I have gotten to focus mostly on feeding (particularly with babies and toddlers as part of the feeding team), and I had my hours dialed in so that I could make it to all of the networking events I felt were important for my business. So why in the world did I have to make this crazy choice to apply for a new job?! Although I don’t plan to be an OT full time again, I do still love my career as an OT and I do have goals that I believe I can reach at Children’s and this is what prompted the idea of a switch. As I was driving to Children’s to meet the team I would be working with if I got the job, I was definitely questioning my sanity. Then, just before I pulled into the garage at Children’s, what song came on the radio? Of course it was God of All My Days by Casting Crowns. The same song that played almost 6 years ago to reassure me that my choice was good. That day I was told that I was recommended for hire. I gave my notice the following week, but I would have another six weeks to continue to question what in the world I was thinking. On my last full week, I packed stuff into my car and shed some tears at the thought of leaving my beloved coworkers again. And then I got into the car to leave this location for the second to last time, and the song played again. 

So despite being sad about what I have left, I am excited to see what the future holds and what God’s plan is for me. I am getting used to the longer drive and adjusting to new routines. Every day I learn a little more about serving through the CP clinic at Children’s. And I am very excited to report that I am already seeing some progress toward my career goals! 

I am excited to see how this change impacts my OT career as well as my career as a professional photographer. When this all started, I thought the timing in the year was especially crazy. However, this time of year is a great time for reflection and I feel like it is the perfect time for a fresh start!! 

Tell me, what is the song that you feel like speaks to you the most…and why?