Thursday, October 16, 2008

My Last Day

Over the course of the past several months Mike and I prayed and had decided that come the holidays I would leave my job. I am so fortunate to have worked for 3 years at the church where I have also attended for the last 8 years. With our move, we are now an hour away from the church, which also means that my commute is almost 2 hours a day. Because of those two things, I would quit and try and find something closer to where we now live. That was all before I found out I was pregnant.

Recently, there were some changes in the department and I really wasn't needed as much as I was in the past so we, my pastor (who is also my boss) and Mike and I, all made the decision that now would be a good time to begin making the transition for me to leave.

Today was my last day. I had been anticipating this day for a couple of weeks but really wasn't sure how I was going to handle it. No one was at the office when I got to work so I had the chance to sit and remember. I thought of the friendships I would be leaving, the boss I had grown to love as a father figure, the atmosphere of excellence, even my desk. It was now empty except for the last list of things I had to do. I didn't realize I would be that sad but I was. Even when I said goodbye to my pastor I told him that I felt like I was going off to college to start a new life. I know one of the reasons it was so hard is because a handful of these friends came to see me in the hospital when the girls were born and were there with welcoming arms and heartfelt tears when I returned to work. These are the people who shared in my grief during the hardest time of my life. They are people I want to always remember.
Marilyn is one of my best friends so I know that there will be lunch dates and Saturdays spent together.
Megan, Weylon and Sandy work in the Communication department. Our desks were right by each other and they each hold a special and unique place in my heart. Plus, they are each amazingly gifted and talented!



Some of the girls (Kathie, Sandy, Megan, Karissa (who is expecting her own baby in 2 weeks!), Susan, Tina, Lindsey, Robin and Marilyn) took me to lunch today at Puffy Muffin. It is an institution in Brentwood, TN and a definite girly, girl place. A perfect pick for today!


I shared at my last staff meeting something my dad told me when I graduated from high school. He told me that life isn't like a book where there are chapters that have a beginning and an end. He said that life is more like a scroll, where a little bit is being rolled back and a little bit is being revealed. I feel like this is exactly where I am, in the "in between." Tomorrow will be my first day as a "stay at home mom." I am so excited about what these next few months hold for me as the nesting phase settles in, but am also sad to roll the scroll up on so many wonderful memories.

To each one of you who has been a part of my life at FBC--you mean so much, have cared so much and loved me well. You are more than a co-worker, you are a friend.

10 comments:

Empty Nest Full Life said...

It is like that with changes in our lives. Being and empty nester has been a challenge, lonely at times, sad, but also a time to look forward to what God has for me. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make this transition. What a blessing to have such a wonderful workplace and treasured relationships.Jackie

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Wow, what a transition for you. I am sure that you are so excited for this new chapter in your life, but so sad for the stuff that is ending. I hope that you have peace over the next few days as you adjust to the new lifestyle!
Carrie

Carolina Mama said...

Congratulations! And enjoy your first day as a stay-at-home Mommy. :) Your father gave you a wise quote. I just love that and have not heard it.

Thinking of you. Prayers.

Joy Junktion said...

You are so fortunate to have been able to walk away with the blessing of your Pastor and staff and friends.

When I left my ministry positions nearly 2 years ago it wasn't that beautiful and it has been a difficult road.

God is healing and restoring.
You will be blessed and having the ability to be a SAHM is terrific.

I am so so happy for you.

Blessings, Cindy

Christy said...

You are so blessed Sarah to have these friends in your life who love and care for you so much.

Another part of the scroll begins today....

I love you!

Mekia said...

I am so excited for you Sarah! You are gonna make a great stay at home mommy and wife. You are very blessed to have this opportunity.
Isn't it cool when we look back to the past and see what God has brought us through and blessed us with?
You felt her move???
YEAH!!!!!

{darlene} said...

"the scroll"! wow. what wisdom. I love that.

Congratulations on your new, and exciting changes! May you feel nothing but peace as you prepare for the arrival of your sweet baby...

Darlene

Kristen said...

Sarah,
I love the idea of a scroll rather than chapters beginning and ending. I too have rolled up the scroll on jobs as my life has moved on to a different journey. Each one difficult. I can almost physically feel the lump in my throat, the aching heart and the tears stinging my eyes. I have been fortunate to work for many good bosses over the years.

I am so excited about the new scroll be opened. Stay at home mom, baby... what blessings!

Thoughts and prayers for you as you make this transition!
K

Angie said...

What an exciting time for you! I know it's sad to leave your job and friends, but I know you'll love being a stay-at-home mom like I am, and also a lot of other bloggers. You have so much to look forward to!

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is quite a change for you! However, you are about to enter one of the most exciting chapters in your life...enjoy...staying home is such a blessing to your children and YOU!

-Sandy Toes