You Don't Have to Wait for Joy || Rachael Kennington

Text or voice message the show When Life Doesn’t Follow the Script Anne Maxson talks with Rachel Kennington about resilience, faith, and the ways a meaningful life can unfold differently than expected. Rachel shares how her understanding of purpose shifted when marriage and motherhood did not happen on the timeline she once imagined, and how serving a mission, pursuing education, and choosing to love others shaped the life she has now. Key topics Rachel introduces herself as a devoted daughter, aunt, loyal employee, and someone who loves quilting, reading, and creating for others. She reflects on the childhood vision she once had - wife, mother, porch, white picket fence - and how that picture changed over time. Rachel shares how growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaped her early expectations, but not with the pressure to follow a single path. Serving a mission at 21 became a turning point that broadened her perspective, changed her relationship to education, and helped her see a different kind of impact. She talks about choosing joy in the present instead of waiting for life to become perfect first. Rachel describes how she became “Aunt Rachel” to her nieces and nephews, and how that role expanded into being a trusted, loving presence for friends’ children too. She shares her experience serving in the Young Women Organization, mentoring teens and helping them prepare for unexpected life changes. Her career path evolved from billing work to leadership in member support, showing how education, mentors, and faith opened doors she had not planned for. Rachel names the people who influenced her most, including Charles Dalquist, Zella Dalquist, Troy Bechert, and Scott Slivka. The conversation ends with Rachel offering advice for anyone grieving a life that looks different than expected: reflect honestly, ask God for guidance, and be willing to take action. Timestamps (0:00) Introduction to Rachel and the theme of a life that changes course  (0:36) Rachel introduces herself and the things she loves  (2:29) The life Rachel imagined as a young girl  (3:48) Growing up with family-centered expectations  (5:08) Realizing her original plan may not happen  (6:58) Choosing to serve a mission and seeing her path differently  (10:12) Learning that fulfillment is not tied to external milestones  (11:05) Finding “the adventure” and choosing happiness now  (13:26) Becoming an aunt-like presence to nieces, nephews, and friends’ children  (15:12) Showing up through everyday support, including teaching a niece to drive  (19:03) Mentoring teens in Young Women and preparing them for unexpected futures  (21:00) Watching one young woman grow from quietness to serving a mission in Cambodia  (23:39) Rachel’s education and career path from Utah State to member support leadership  (28:34) The lesson: be the best at the job you have today  (30:27) Looking back and seeing that God was present throughout the journey  (33:26) Learning to let go of total control and trust the path  (35:24) Advice for listeners whose lives are not turning out as planned  (38:39) Pebbles of light from Charles and Zella Dalquist, Troy Bechert, and Scott Slivka  (44:34) Closing Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Affiliate Disclaimer - As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn advertising or referral fees from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting Pebbles of Light! Follow Pebbles of Light Website – ⁠https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflight⁠ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pebblesoflightpodcast  Facebook – ⁠https://www.facebook.com/pebblesoflight⁠ Instagram – ⁠https://instagram.com/PebblesOfLight⁠ Guest Applications - https://www.joinpodmatch.com/pebblesoflight  Support Pebbles of Light Become a Light Shiner - https://annemaxson.com/pebblesoflightpodcast/#support ⁠ ⁠