Unfortunately You didn't Get It
Facing the “no”
Hello! From the other side of rejection. From the rearview of a “missed” opportunity. From the back room of a failed plan. We are holding steady to scripture and exercising an attitude of gratitude. |Many are the plans of a man’s heart but only the Lord’s decree will prevail. Pvbs 19:21| A scripture I’ve held close to my chest as I navigate through this unpredictable existence called life.
Wasn’t that so easy to read and conceptualize? Sure was easy to write. In reality, it takes a faith so strong to really ride the waves of being denied access or getting rejected. A slammed door in your face can never be pleasant. It’s so dismissive—so final. I recently got passed over for an opportunity I so desperately wanted. It was in my palm. “I’m getting the job,” is what I told a close friend I decided to share this potential new development with. I progressed to the final round interview; no one had gotten this far in the process, according to the recruiter.
However, there I sat in the car, having a well-deserved lunch after a 3-hour final interview, feeling doubtful. I came up short. I know I did. I got lazy in the last assessment. So there I sat, replaying all my mishaps while drinking my Summer Blast refresher. I didn’t do so well but was still hopeful because I presented myself exceptionally.
It always amazes me how I get premonitions. It’s physical. It’s almost like my body prematurely prepares for the outcome of a future event. I didn’t feel panicky driving back home, more so relieved and accepting of any outcome. I was proud that I was even considered for the position. I was proud of myself and the efforts I made to get through to the final interview. I was grateful God allowed me to even have one foot in the door.
Yesterday, when I received notification that I wasn't selected, my heart fell to my toes. I started feeling weak in the knees even though I was sitting in my office chair, and a cold sweat started to creep up. I immediately called my mom to update her all while my heart was racing, and I'm forcing a smile through the great disappointment. As expected, she encouraged me. Mom told me she prepared herself in case this were to happen and reassured me that what God meant for me to have would not be given to another. How true.
When I remember that he has my life mapped out already and he knows what’s good for me and what would not serve me, it makes me want to praise him in the midst of my despair. All I have to do is reflect on the countless times he’s saved me, from what I believed was best for me but it in fact wasn’t.
So what do we gain from the “no”? Stronger faith. A better attitude towards "failure." Testimonies to share. Experience and adventure through the journey. Lessons to takeaway and to pass on. Within the second hour of the news, I was completely fine. No sulking, no “woe” is me thinking. I just moved on with my life because God has a track record of showing me why that thing I wanted so badly didn’t pan out.
What I can’t possibly imagine is already in the pipeline. Credit to Big G. I truly don’t deserve his mercy and grace.
