Change is not always a welcomed visitor…especially when it is not your choice. At least when you have the choice to instigate change you may have an idea of what you are about to encounter. But when your livelihood is at stake change can be terrifying. I am entering the ranks of the unemployed. I’ve been laid off. Even though it was not due to my job performance, this change that has been forced on me is one that is devastating…no, it’s heartbreaking.
Yes, losing a job with two sons who have hemophilia and one in college is enough to make most people panic, but my heart is truly broken. I changed careers over thirteen years ago to give this new career (that found me) a try and it has definitely been a great experience. I’ve learned that once you teach, there’s not much you can’t do! All of the skills I learned as a music educator came into play as I worked for a specialty infusion company. And the things I have learned in the healthcare industry have pushed me to do things I never imagined I would be able to do. It has been an experience that I will always cherish.
The hardest part about leaving is that I am leaving a work family who has become a huge part of my life. This is the family who has encouraged me as my passion for public speaking and educating flourished. They were behind me 100%. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out I was pregnant after trying for so many years…this team loved me through the difficult pregnancy. They loved me through the loss of my father and mother-in-law. They are the family who knew when me and my guys were struggling when Caeleb’s health was at its worst. They comforted me and supported me during the entire time. A random text, email or card would always seem to come at just the right time when I needed some encouragement.
I became the cheerleader for the team who helped keep the patient at the front of our minds. Because when you act with passion, how can you go wrong? That is why I have always loved the team I have worked on. They are a group like no other and I will pray for each and every one of them as they continue on their paths.
My journey is not even close to being over. I know that God is using me in everything that I do and my prayer is that I keep listening to that still, small voice that urges me to keep strong in my faith. I always thought God would use me in “ministry” at church, but what I learned was that He was using me in the workplace as well. I still remember going on a business trip to Atlanta and having a drink with a colleague. She asked me about the sacrament of communion. I was out having drinks and ministering! We continued to talk about faith and that night a seed was planted for a friendship I hold very dear.
My direction is changing, but with faith, hope and love, it just can’t be a bad thing.
My eyes and heart are open. I’m listening.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- New beginnings
- crunchy leaves
- chili and cornbread
- candles
- Sunday lunch
