As of Tuesday, I will be an official working woman, and will relocate to Nashville, Tennessee. There have been times when I thought this day would never come. I completed my music therapy internship almost five months ago, have applied for dozens of jobs, and had 4 interviews. I hoped to go back to the lovely town where I interned. But it seems God has other plans for me. The word I am getting from the Almighty on this subject is "Later--the time is not right. I have a work for you in Nashville". So as Father Tim in the Mitford series by Jan Karon suggests, I pray the prayer that never fails: Thy Will Be Done. It isn't easy to do. I sometimes have a hard time believing that God knows more about what is best for me than I do. I have a tendency to dictate to God.
The irony is this: even a year ago, I would have been thrilled beyond words to live and work in Nashville. But that was before "my town" came into my life. I fell in love with it, and felt I could live there always. I tried my best to relocate there, but couldn't get a job there. So I applied for this job in Nashville and went for an interview. I had a really good feeling after interviewing, and felt the job was mine if I wanted it. I do want it, and I know I will enjoy Nashville. But I miss "my town" and my friends there so much! But I am trying to be excited about this new phase in my life, and focus on the positives. This job will be a challenge, which I need. Nashville is a fun place, and only two hours from my family. This will be great experience and I will call upon reserves of creativity to be successful. I will also have to be organized and keep deadlines. I will learn not to waste time.
I have some things I want to accomplish while I am working. I will take the Music Therapy Board Certification Exam. Then I can legitimately call myself a music therapist. I will join our professional organization so I can get the publications and stay up-to-date on what is happening. I will try to attend at least one conference. They are a great place to network. I also want to to get some music therapy contracts and start a private practice. I will also be praying about getting a master's in music therapy. I hope somewhere on this road I will bump into my soulmate. Who knows--maybe I know him already! In the meantime, I intend to bloom where I am planted, and make the most of this opportunity. I can't help but hope and pray the road will I travel will take me back to "my town".