I bought a blue and pink painted piece of Quartz to commemorate a very special anniversary—the three year anniversary to be exact—at my current job as a PPEC nurse. The blue and pink represents all the baby boys and girls that have touched my heart.

I’ve learned a few things since working at this job. A job is just a job until it becomes something more, until it becomes a calling. When we realize we’ve been planted, our job then becomes a part of our purpose—a part of His purpose.

That’s what happened with me. Truth be told, I wasn’t crazy about the idea of working at this PPEC. I sort of wandered into the place when my private duty nursing case was no longer requiring an RN. The mother of my patient suggested this facility to me as sort of a stepping stone to my next job, until I could find something I really wanted.

I made the decision to stay even though I felt like I might could find somewhere I “fit in” better. I wasn’t the most liked person at my new job, not in the beginning anyway, and I had to prove myself to many. It didn’t matter much to me though; I wasn’t there to make friends. I was there to do my job.

That first year at my job taught me a thing or two. Don’t quit just because it’s hard; don’t quit because not everyone likes you. Stay put and let it make it you stronger. Adversary is a part of life, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t run in the face of adversary; it’s there to teach you something. Don’t quit unless you can honestly say you don’t believe God placed you there. Stay put and watch God work. It may not be today nor tomorrow nor next week nor even next year. But, believe me when I say, if God places you somewhere, He will make things happen for you.

I stayed planted, and now I have true friendship. I’m liked, respected, loved even. More people came onboard that do care for me. The people that didn’t treat me kindly eventually left, and those I had to prove myself to eventually came to see the real me. I watched God slowly but surely transform this place around me just as I transformed on the inside. It didn’t happen over night though; it never does.

Whenever I look at this rock, I’ll be reminded of the strength it took to bloom where the Lord had planted me. I’ll remember that when we focus on God and what He has called us to do, everything else will work out the way it’s meant to. And lastly, I’ll remember all the baby boys and girls that will forever have a piece of my heart.