"Well, think of it this way - this could quite possibly the only time in your employment at NPU that you literally have NOTHING to do :) Enjoy it - surf the web and blog about it :)"
And so, here I am. It is not entirely true to say that I had NOTHING to do, but I did enjoy it, surfed the web a little bit, and well, here I am blogging about it. So thanks, Nicole, for the permission. ;)
This morning I took my last 7-minute drive to North Park University to begin a work day. All told, I have spent six solid years of my life at the N-P, with only brief intermissions. Truth is, I'm not yet done, as I continue my seminary education. This morning I took the last Mac Photo Booth picture of myself for Becca:
This evening I turned in my keys, and took the last of my things out of my desk. While I have been preparing for this day for the last three weeks (well, to be honest, perhaps longer), I struggle to find the right words to talk about it.
It was an odd day; a good portion of it was spent in solitude in the 5049 flat, while my [now former] coworkers went about their days of normal meetings and lunches, trips to get fingerprinted, and workouts at Helwig. I did my best to prepare files and space for my soon-to-be replacement to come in without being completely overwhelmed. I completed a few last-minute tasks.
And then I said goodbye.
I was given a very generous gift by my friends and colleagues, which contained a blessing wish for me as I make this next step in the journey. As I sit now and look at it, I cannot help think that I should have been bestowing this blessing of thanks on them. For two years, these individuals have taught me, challenged me, guided me, walked before, beside, and behind me, helping a lost girl find something of herself and her gifts. They indulged my silly whims of laughter, sugar addiction, and "mid-afternoon crazy breaks." They helped me find the closest Taco Bell -- and enjoyed a crunchwrap supreme or bean burritos with sour cream alongside me on regular occasions. Shoot - they even helped me with my homework. I leave this office blessed by close friendships I couldn't have imagined would be as significant as they have become. I cannot adequately express my thanks to them here, so I will leave it at this:
From the deepest reaches of my heart, I thank you for all you are and all you have been in my life for these past two years.
Perhaps this is so bittersweet because I am stepping away from my safety net. Parting is such sweet sorrow, or something like that right? Tomorrow morning, I will begin a new position in a new office with brand-new colleagues. Sure, it's a baby-step away from North Park (in more ways than one), but it is still a step of faith on the path God is slowly revealing to me.
Tonight is also a night of some old-school music. Thank you, Jars of Clay, for the words that continue to ring true, even if they were written in 1995.
they say that I can move the mountains
and send them crashing to the sea
they say that i can walk on water
if i would follow and believe
with faith like a child
and send them crashing to the sea
they say that i can walk on water
if i would follow and believe
with faith like a child
2 comments:
Good luck today!!
Thought of you today and prayed that your first day was a great one!
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