Seasons of change: seeking a new career

by Tara Maier

We can all look outside and see that God orchestrates new seasons. Whether it is the change of weather, change of relationship, or change in our role, these seasons usher a newness and beauty that can feel both frightful and exciting. The dropping of fall leaves demonstrates the loss of a Minnesota summer and reminds us that winter is coming. At times, I find myself grieving the loss of the previous season. My mind and heart often struggle to adapt, and I must simply trust God to provide in the new season. By God’s grace, I can look back and see how he has used each of the past seasons to teach me to trust him. 

The seasons in my life have varied vastly. Some seasons were really hard, and I did not know where strength would come from. Other seasons caught me off guard, and I could only rest in God’s unfailing love. Some seasons contained uncertainty of what God’s plan would be, and then there were some where the direction was clear and exciting. Each season prepared me for the next and taught me more about God and myself. By God’s grace, I will not lose heart in finishing strong in the seasons ahead. 

The past season was a difficult, yet rich one; a church change after 20 years, dropping off our last daughter at college, being outnumbered by the boys in my home, watching our first daughter get married, and starting a new career. At times I look back and miss the seasons of having 5 young children, being chauffer, hosting large groups of teens in our home, late night talks, putting the toys away, cleaning the kitchen one more time, and hearing the children fight in the car. This may sound crazy to some young moms out there, but you do miss the chaos. By God’s grace, despite the difficulties, I have joy in this season. 

From an early age, I have desired to help others. My past jobs/careers have followed that desire; lifeguarding, nursing, physical therapy, taking care of children, substitute teaching, working with youth, and chaplaincy. After years of staying at home with our children, I am back at school to pursue a career in counseling. This new season has been one of preparation, trying new things, and waiting. At times it has felt long and lonely. With classes, writing papers, and counseling through telehealth, there is little time to do other things. I have desired to press the “easy button” several times. At my age, I have questioned if going back to school is the right choice. By God’s grace, I will press on to finish my studies and be able to help others more effectively.

This season has also taught me the importance of building a community of friends and family for encouragement to trust God. Being new at Calvary, I have had the privilege of meeting some amazing woman. I look forward to meeting more of you. It is a joy to hear each of your stories and how God has met you in each of your seasons. Please come up and introduce yourselves. I am a little shy when in large groups. Hopefully my story will encourage some of you to never give up learning or trying something new. By God’s grace, I will graduate this next year with a master’s in counseling. I know that God is faithful to complete us for His work of sharing the gospel (Phil. 1:4-6). 

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Tara Maier is a wife to Jay, mother to five children, and a Christ follower. She is passionate about hearing another person’s story and sharing God’s hope when asked. When she is not out having coffee on her patio or studying, she is supporting law enforcement officers as a chaplain for the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. Her hobbies include walking trails, playing piano, and eating dark chocolate.