10 years ago I was entering my second year of college. I was paying my way through the fees and books that weren’t included in tuition by working at the university bookstore that became one of my favorite places for that time in my life.

This time, the beginning of August, was my favorite time of year once I started there because while the crowds could be overwhelming, I most of the time was in the books (the trenches), stocking, pulling orders or helping new students and their families grab and purchase their books. Being a student myself, I understood the burden of textbook buying, but as a worker with the knowledge of inventory and options, I loved breaking it down for them and providing those options. Occasionally families would ask about my background and what I’m doing in college, while others look for recommendations for things on campus.

Sometimes I miss those days because I didn’t have a lot. I was going with the flow with high hopes for the future. I didn’t think I’d ever leave the bookstore honestly, but some things don’t last forever and God had other plans.

10 years ago I also experienced, while working on the register, the not so nice side of retail, even in a campus store.

He was a father or maybe a professor even? No idea. He was asking some of those questions about me, like if I was a student, if I’m from this city, where I went to high school, etc. When he got to that last question, I answered and enter judgement. I didn’t go to an upper class school. I went to my neighborhood school. I never dreamed of going anywhere else. I got my education, plus college credits. This guy didn’t know that though. All he saw was the name and the status it carried.

He was shocked I was at the private university with a high school like that behind me and asked if I was doing okay at the university.

Suddenly I was thrust back to said high school when one of my teachers found out I got accepted and asked if I thought I could make it there and that it was a tough school.

It was really upsetting, just to feel the judgement of something that I didn’t consider an obstacle to my intelligence. I still don’t think it’s an obstacle.

Where we come from isn’t as important as where we currently are or where we’re heading. God provided for me regardless of where I was.

I wouldn’t change a thing except maybe studying even more and getting higher scores, but 😅😂

I felt adequately prepared, and what I wasn’t equipped for, He equipped me. There were so many times over the years where I felt called but not equipped at the time.

We all come from different backgrounds, but so many times we end up in the same place. Kind of like Heaven. Won’t that be the day? 🙂

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Encouragement for today:

• Our location or circumstances aren’t a barrier to God’s will.
• Keep your eyes heavenward and not below/behind.
• He doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.
• Others only see the surface of what God’s doing. Don’t let them discourage your purpose.

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We’re halfway through the week! I hope it’s a good one for you.