Sacrifice Brings Forth The Blessings of Heaven

This is such a beautiful line from the song "Praise to the Man" and I absolutely LOVE how simple and how true it is!! :) I have especially seen the effects of this in my life in the last couple of weeks. 

First, I had an experience just yesterday that I would like to share. 

I work two jobs, one at Hallmark and one at Subway. At both of my jobs I have told my managers right  off the bat that I can't work Sundays because I consider it to be a sacred day. They both told me that this was fine and that they would not schedule anything for Sunday. 

But then, two days ago, one of my managers came up to me and told me that there was one short meeting on a Sunday and that it was really important that I attend. She told me that it wasn't fair to the other employees if I skipped and that it was the only time she'd ask me to work on a Sunday. I told her that I was most likely going to be unable to attend and that I really didn't think I would feel good about it but she told me to go home and think about it. 

I went home and prayed and got the answer I was expecting: No, it was not okay to work on a Sunday and that I had already made a personal commitment not to. So, I went back to work the next day, expecting to have a slightly unpleasant discussion with my manager. I really hate disappointing people, but I really REALLY hate disappointing the Lord. I was ready to sacrifice the approval of my manager or my job for Heavenly Father. I said a prayer and then went in to talk to her. 

As soon as I mentioned the Sunday meeting, she stopped me and said "You know what don't even worry about it. I thought about the situation and decided that we can make it work without you there. I am impressed by your conviction and I don't want to take that away from you." 

I was almost in tears, that's how grateful I was. I didn't even have to say anything, and the whole problem vanished right before my eyes. My manager is a lovely woman and I am thankful for her and the opportunity she has given me to have this job. I am also grateful for how understanding she is and how sensitive she was to my needs and concerns. 

I am most grateful for a Heavenly Father who really does give us the blessings of heaven if we are willing to sacrifice. He loves us SO much!!! :) I know without a doubt that because I kept true to my promises and the decision to keep the sabbath day holy, I was blessed and Heavenly Father took care of me. We will be blessed if we choose the right and everything will work out! 

Also, random tangent, but today my friend and I accidentally ended up matching at church today! We were standing talking in the foyer and then a girl came up and pointed out our amazing color coordination, so of course we had to take a picture! 

Happy Sunday! 

~Keep Smiling!~ :)