“God works in mysterious ways” is a phrase I’ve heard many times throughout my life.
This is true. There are times when I feel confused, or even annoyed, only to recognize that what I considered a stumbling block or dead-end really led to something greater. These are the times when I recognize that, while following God’s plan is not always easy or obvious, it is always best.
Often, I reflect on how I was “transplanted” to B.C. from Ontario. I had applied to teaching programs at different universities in Ontario, after completing my bachelor’s degree, and had my heart set on attending Queen’s University which looked extensively at resumes and practical experience. My plan was all mapped out. So I was devastated when I learned that I had been placed on the Queen’s waiting list.
Upon inquiry, I learned that the reason behind this was an omission: I had overlooked the fact that Queen’s required not only my university transcripts, but my high school papers as well. The error was completely my own.
At the time, bachelor of education programs were extremely competitive, and I knew that the likelihood of an acceptance from the Queen’s waiting list was slim. I had ruined my chances and, in personal frustration, tried to accept that my plans would have to be put on hold for another year. Then, a dear friend told me that she had been looking into applications outside of the province.
St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia had a later application deadline than the Ontario schools. St. F.X. required a resume as well, so I took a chance and applied. I was accepted right away and felt that I was being called to this new challenge.
Entering the B.Ed. program was exciting; leaving my home province was terrifying. My friend ended up receiving an acceptance closer to home, leaving me to attend the school alone. So, with Grandma’s 1981 Malibu full of my worldly possessions, my parents, youngest brother, and I headed to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. They eventually flew home, leaving me in a new province where I knew no one.
The people, the professors, and the mentors I encountered in Nova Scotia were amazing. I felt engaged, challenged, and appreciated throughout my program. Furthermore, Chuck Luttrell from the Catholic Independent Schools of the Vancouver Archdiocese came to speak to our class and interviewed anyone interested in teaching in the Catholic schools of British Columbia. I don’t know why, but I didn’t even hesitate to apply and meet with him.
I now know that God whispered in my ear during that time. I was subsequently hired to teach at St. Augustine’s School in Vancouver and began my teaching career right away. I met my husband through a fellow teacher there and I have lived in B.C. for almost 32 years. This life has given me four amazing children, wonderful extended family and friends, an active faith, and a masters in pastoral studies from St. Mark’s College. Years ago, I had never heard of St. F.X., St. Augustine’s School, St. Mark’s College, or even Delta, B.C., but God had!
God’s plans for me have continued to unfold over the years. Left on my own, I never could have written a story as life-giving as the one I’ve received. My perceived “error” was part of God’s plan: the pivot in my life has not separated me from my roots in Ontario, but has simply allowed them to grow in ways I never expected.
Sometimes God’s ways are “mysterious” and other times they are quite obvious. For example, the other day as I was making breakfast, I was sure I heard the Bach-Gounod “Ave Maria.” Eventually, I realized that it was coming from my husband’s phone. He was on hold with a government office and that was the selection playing.
I had been dealing with an issue at work, and I was so moved by the fact that a government office would play a religious hymn that it helped focus my thoughts. Even if the person choosing the playlist had no idea that they had chosen a devotion to Mary, its beauty was still recognized. The loving sign I felt from this experience allowed me to confront my situation at work with hope and patience, guided by God’s grace.
Our omniscient and omnipotent God is love. He speaks in mysterious and also in obvious ways. We need to open our hearts and minds, for God’s voice is always clear, whether we hear it or not.
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