~Thursday Thanks: Dedicated to Lil' Civ.~

Today's' Thursday Thanks is dedicated to the one thing (object) that has remained constant and reliable over the last ten years, my Honda Civic-aka "Lil' Civ.". Over countless moves, school changes, life changes I could always hop in Civ and find a sense of balance. Twice she was loaded up with all my belongings, while I lived on couches and tried to figure out what was next. She was there as I drove the long road from home back to Florida after I found out divorce was changing my family, she held up on that same road from Florida to home after a broken engagement changed my plans, and she was along for the adventure when I chose to pick up and go back to school with only a week to spare to find a place to live, apply, and register for classes.

No matter what happened, she was always there to offer a safe and private place to nurse wounds, have tantrums, sing at the top of my very terrible voice, and car dance to my hearts' content. I knew I would always be welcome to jump in,turn up the music, listen to the day pass through open windows, and just drive. A lot of life happened in that little car, and I will forever be grateful for how dependable and easy she was for me. She never left me stranded or cost me much money in repairs, and managed to get to a gas station on past empty -and just my encouragement that she could make it-ha-many a time. Lil' Civ. was my first car, and I am thankful for how patient she was with me as I grew and matured and figured out how to handle the responsibility of having a vehicle. Not a day went by that when I saw Civ. in my driveway my heart didn't swell with thanks.

When I decided to make the move to Virginia it became very clear that Lil' Civ was not going to be making this journey. She was getting older and it was quite a drive from Georgia to Virginia. So, it was with many conflicted emotions I chose to sell Lil' Civ and come to Virginia car-less. It was difficult to let go of the freedom and stability Civ. offered me, and to lose all the memories that came along with her. But-alas-sell her I must, little did I know that her effect in my life was not over.

Tuesday of this week-after 124 days of job hunting-I decided to get up, get dressed, print out my resume, and pound some pavement. I knew there was a Honda dealership right up the street from me, and- with memories of my Lil' Civ. in mind-I walked in the door and asked if they were hiring. I was immediately given an application, and before I knew it sitting down with the manager of the dealership. We chatted for a bit, and I watched as he listened to me tell him about my first car. The 1997 Honda Civic DX I spent over a year saving up for, and the next ten sharing life with. He totally got me. We chatted a while longer, and -after a few phone calls and connections-I received a phone call this morning telling me that as of Monday I will no longer be jobless but a proud employee of Honda! HALLELUJAH!!!!-ha!

I did not plan on moving to Virginia to work for a car dealership. In fact,my only plan was to work for a local university where I could receive my Masters' degree for free. As time has gone by, I have become more convinced that God can use any job to accomplish what He desires. Things don't have to necessarily look the way I planned them in order for them to be good and working towards a future! This is a good job with benefits and advancement opportunities, and I know nothing but PEACE in accepting the position! I know God is in control, and He is the one I praise! But, I am also thankful for His giving me Lil' Civ. for all those years, cause without her story-I may very well still be unemployed-ha:)!

"Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it? " Is. 43:19(a)-The Message