The Power of One Point

One year ago I was testing to receive my Mathematics certification, May 31, 2011 to be exact.  Needing a 240, I made a 239 and to say I was crushed would be an understatement.  I would have to wait 60 days before I even had an opportunity to pass the test.  While I was waiting, I went to countless interviews knowing in the back of my mind that there was no chance that I would receive a job.  I received a call early July from Ron Callahan, the athletic director at Quitman High School.  He asked for me to come out for an unofficial interview so I got in my car and drove 25 miles to meet him.  As I was talking to him, there was a woman filing some paperwork and he asked her to show me around the school.  She had an accent that I wasn't accustomed to hearing and she was glowing, this girl couldn't be from here.  It turns out she was from San Diego, CA...how in the world did she end up as the athletic trainer in the small town of Quitman, TX?  I was eager to find out more about her but more importantly, I needed a job.  He told me that if I pass my math test, I was hired.  That was amazing but also overwhelming news.  Now I had even more pressure on my shoulders to pass this test.  On August 2, 2011, I retook the test and I had no clue whether I passed the test or not.  However, this time I felt like the test was much easier.  Although it may sound crazy, it seemed like God threw some easy questions in there.  That Friday, I received the news that I'd passed with a 257!  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I had a job!

When I was hired on, I was told that I'd be teaching 3 different math classes and coaching 3 different sports.  I knew it'd be a lot of work but I was so excited about getting started.  I also knew that my social life for the next few months would be gone.  A month went by and I knew that this was my calling in life.  I loved my job and everything about it.  I got to work with kids, be around sports and most importantly, be a positive impact in students' lives.  I had found my comfort zone and I finally had time to breathe.  While I was catching my breath, I was able to have some down time.  I wanted to get to know the my coworkers and there was one coworker in particular that I wanted to get know...the trainer for California.  Her name was Marissa Bonine and had all of the things that I wanted in a woman.  However, I wasn't sure about getting involved with someone at school.  Coming back from a volleyball playoff game, I asked if it would be okay if I pursued a relationship with her.  To my surprise, he was excited and gave me permission.

From that day forward, it has been nothing short of spectacular.  She has been a blessing to me and my family and I'm excited to say that she is the future Mrs. Washington :)  We are now together in central TX with 4A and 5A jobs within 40 miles of each other and getting married on June 29, 2013.  Look at God!!

The reason behind this blog is to show you that even when you feel completely powerless of what's going on in your life, God has a plan.  God will deny you, you will doubt Him, but never forget that He is in complete control.  He failed me by 1 point so that I would not get hired by a school that I wanted to be at but to place me where He wanted me to be.  I was able to work on a staff of Christians and work for an amazing athletic director.  I built relationships with people that I will never forget, had the privilege of teaching amazing kids, got lots of teaching and coaching experience and most importantly I met my future wife.  Trust in Him and he will bless you beyond your wildest dreams.

Be Blessed