Hi, my name is Carmen and I work as a Pastry Chef.
Last Term my Gospel Community (Pyrmont GC) completed the course, How People Change together. As part of the course, we had to come up with a ‘Personal Growth Project’ where we chose an area of struggle in our lives, and then applied God’s truth, perspectives and promises to that area.
When I was praying about my ‘Personal Growth Project’, God revealed my problems with fear of man, especially in my work and my relationships with my boss and seniors. I saw that I find my identity in my achievements and feel the need to be perfect. As a result, I have always found it hard to say ‘No’, and have tended to move into a position of compliance and failed to set healthy boundaries.
As we reflected upon what Christ has done and His promises during HPC, I was reminded once again of my identity in Christ. Knowing what Christ has done for me renewed my strength. It’s he who forgives my sins and gives me the grace that is enough for my weaknesses.
My work has been very busy since the start of lockdown (everybody wants pastries!). One month after finishing the course, with my already overwhelming workload, my senior approached me and requested that I did some extra work. I was thinking if I should take on the extra work even though my plate was already full but I decided to stand up for myself and the team by rejecting the extra work so that my boss and senior could understand the exhaustion and tiredness of the team.
When I said ‘No’ my senior was shocked but it made her realise that my team and I were all exhausted and needed to replenish our energy. She actually went and talked to my boss and they decided to close the business for three days to give us a rest.
I have been reminded how God’s grace is my strength and that I need not be perfect and find my security in achievements. God’s love and being secure in knowing Christ is far more attractive than what I have settled for.