Promotion
On this week’s episode of “I Didn’t Come Here for This,” I’m seriously considering firing my nail tech.
In honor of being six weeks postpartum, I booked an appointment because my nails and toes were past due for some TLC. As my nail tech and I were catching up, I mentioned that my dream life had shifted since I’ve been on maternity leave. I explained that my dreams are more vivid, more animated, more scenic, and have recently included people I haven’t spoken to or seen in years.
“You know having another baby is a promotion, right?” My nail tech said. “The change in your dreams may be an indicator of the next level God is taking you to.” She explained.
“No, no, no,” I replied, shaking my head. “I’m not trying to hear nothing about another level, I’m just home taking care of my newborn.” I corrected.
Still, no matter how much I want to ignore her statement, I can’t shake the word she used: promotion.
I’ve only viewed having more children as addition, not promotion. But, she’s right. The word promotion is the action of raising someone to a higher position or rank or the fact of being so raised. And going from one child, to two, and now to three, is literally being raised from one motherhood position to a higher motherhood position. And because promotion includes increased pay and/or benefits, along with the blessing of each child I’ve also been endowed with another level of grace, among other things. The mom version of me in 2015 couldn’t have ever imagined that I would be a mom of three in 2024. But Thank God that He equips who He promotes!
And furthermore, even as I write this blog, the word promotion is changing the way I’m choosing to view my next season. Let me explain.
Upon returning to life from maternity leave, there has always been some transition. Or, as I’m choosing to view things now, promotion. For example, after maternity leave with Sonshine #1, I had to file a formal complaint against my boss. That action ultimately led to me receiving a literal promotion to another department with increased pay. After maternity leave with Sonshine #2, my family and I said goodbye to the ministry that laid the foundation of sound Bible teaching that I stand upon today. That action ultimately led to my personal religious detox, the creation of my ScriptHer Notes Bible Study Journal, and the launch of my course, The Religious Detox. And now, with maternity leave with Sonshine #3 coming to an end in six weeks, I’m anticipating what God has planned.
Before my nail appointment, I was ner-scar-cited (nervous, scared and excited) about what lies in wait for me. And I’ve been dreaming about everything and everybody else except what this shift in seasons I sense means for me. As a result, I’ve already been in my head about what notices I may be required to give, conversations I may be required to hold, sacrifices I may be required to offer, and goodbyes I may be required to express. But now, whatever it is, I realize it will ultimately be a promotion. It will be a new assignment. And new assignments are only assigned to those who have been trusted to handle and have successfully completed previous assignments.
So, here’s to the next level. Here’s to God trusting us with more. Congratulations to us on this next promotion!