Monday, January 26, 2015

Faith


       
5 years ago we had found out that Marc's dream of becoming a dentist would be put on hold for a year for reasons we couldn't see at the time...we were so shocked that he didn't get in his first year applying and then after finding out about Braxton, we knew why we had to wait another year. Sometimes we won't know the reason or timing of certain events or why things happen or don't happen in this life but faith is what we need to rely on to move forward. 

For the last three years Marc has sacrificed SO much to achieve his goal to be the top of his class to be able to specialize if he wanted. Last year we felt strongly that Marc needed to apply to Oral Surgery residency so we did everything we could to make his dream happen. It is very competitive but after taking the medical exam and being 3rd in his class of 85 we felt that he had a very good chance of getting in. After much pondering and prayer, four week long externships, hours of filling out applications, and A LOT of money spent on interviews, we still felt like this was the direction Marc was meant to go. Six long months of waiting patiently, today was the day that would determine our future. At 7:15 this morning what we thought would be an email saying he had matched at (fill in residency) the worst sentence "you did not match" was the most shocking thing ever! Talk about anticlimactic! Number wise it doesn't make sense, he is VERY qualified but as the past has taught us, there IS a reason and there IS a plan for us. The Lord does and WILL provide a way. 

Tender mercies are beautiful and if it weren't for a few thoughts and an inspired lesson from our awesome home teacher last night, reminding us of faith in the Lord's will, I think it could be a harder pill to swallow. The Lord knows us and will prepare us for the trials that will come.

Marc had to go to clinic today and face a million people asking where he matched and him having to tell them he didn't and do the shock and awe thing all day (which everyone is im sure), but I'm left here (home) to sort through my emotions and reflect. I am sad for Marc because of all the hard work he has put in to achieve his goal but I know it is what is supposed to happen. I am happy for Marc because he now has some relief of the unknown and doesn't have to ever question that the path he is supposed to take is dentistry. He is an amazing example of enduring to the end and having faith. He text me on probably his worst day to see how I was doing. Who does that? A strong, faith-filled man who holds himself high, that's who! I'm so grateful for his example and I can't believe how lucky I am! We have been unbelievably blessed through this process and it has brought our family closer because of it. No one will ever know what we have had to endure throughout this process and they don't have to because we know and we leaned on each other and have grown through it. We now have opportunities ahead that are exciting and will be for our good. We have so many things to be thankful for and though it is hard, we are going to focus on those things. We are going to have faith and find the positives and see the silver lining in this trial. Yes, we are going to still celebrate tonight because though it wasn't the outcome we planned, it is still an amazing one because my husband is a dentist and a DANG good one at that!!! 

I'm so proud of Marc ALWAYS!! He is such an wonderful husband, father and friend! We have lots ahead and it's exciting that we get to do it together :) 

"Even if you exercise your strongest faith, God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you. He loves you to a depth and completeness you cannot conceive of in your mortal state. Indeed, were you to know His entire plan, you would never ask for that which is contrary to it even though your feelings tempt you to do so. Sincere faith gives understanding and strength to accept the will of our Heavenly Father when it differs from our own. We can accept His will with peace and assurance, confident that His infinite wisdom surpasses our own ability to comprehend fully His plan as it unfolds a piece at a time." Elder Richard G. Scott

3 comments:

elysebeard said...

You're amazing. Such. A hard thing. Dale and I always tell ourselves if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing and keeping the commandments, He will always take care of you--even if it is in his own way. Dental school is a freaking amazing accomplishment. You guys are awesome!!

micahandwhitney said...

Marc and Janelle we are so proud of you! Dental school is a log hard road, and you did it! How amazing! I love this post.

Unknown said...

We had a similar situation (a couple of times actually) when applying for pharmacy jobs. Prayed about it, felt very strongly that this was the job he supposed to have, in the place we were supposed to live.... and then didn't get it. I was so confused. But you are right, He has a bigger plan for us. If only He would tell us what it is, huh?! Haha, seriously though, congrats on finishing dental school! Good luck on the job search!