I have taught multiple times the importance, as a function of living faithfully, to hold work, relationships, opportunities, time, possessions, dreams, ambitions—to hold in your hands and your hearts loosely--so a sovereign God does not have to painfully pry it out of your stubborn grip—or you miss a greater walk because your hands were full and you could not grab hold of something new.
Classic—who is going to argue with that? Even a non believer would agree with that (minus the sovereign God part).
Yet, when that theory becomes a reality in life—when emotions are the additional variable to the otherwise tidy equation—suddenly the principle that is easy to talk becomes dicey to walk.
I love encouraging others to embrace bold change. Yet, under the umbrella of irony, change is something I tend to RUN from (I boast of my ability to live with my furniture in its “correct” God ordained spot for well over a decade—same story for hair).
Welcome to my now. In a few days I will walk a brand new path as a full time staff member of a wonderful, impactful nonprofit. It’s an exciting, challenging path. However, to walk it, I have to walk away from some things I love.
To do my new job, I have to let go of some of my soon to be former work that I have loved, through which I have thrived. I understand it; don’t resent it, but it, well, it hurts. I am leaving some environments that have so blessed my life, and I don’t want to let go.
However, letting go, I must. The question is: what is the best way to let it go?
• Remember with gratitude both what was and what is and what is to be.
• Remember God is everywhere and in control.
• Give some space to be sad and also dedicate some space to be excited and thrilled.
• There are seasons, Scripture ALWAYS portrays life as full of change, transition, movement. It’s a good thing and a God thing to experience shifts.
• Faith is who I am, not something I do. Faithful work is 24/7.
So, I have to let go of teaching Bible study (for now), to learn and grow and go to a new environment. I pray that my walk and my talk match up. Would love your prayers too!
I have taught multiple times the importance, as a function of living faithfully, to hold work, relationships, opportunities, time, possessions, dreams, ambitions—to hold in your hands and your hearts loosely--so a sovereign God does not have to painfully pry it out of your stubborn grip—or you miss a greater walk because your hands were full and you could not grab hold of something new.
Praying for you, my dear friend. I have tears in my eyes as I read your post for I, too, have been blessed by your teaching and, even though I'm not currently in your class due to seasons of my own, I am sad at the thought that you will not be leading on Friday mornings. I know you will be wonderful in your new role and I am confident that God has great plans for this time in your life. Love you!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a big change, and I agree: both exciting and sad. You're going to be marvelous in your new role! God has wonderful things planned...
ReplyDeleteCarol, You will always have my prayers. Even though my own seasons have changed and I was not attending Friday morning study this spring, I took comfort in knowing it was still there. I have spent close to 9 years with you and all those wonderful women on Friday mornings. It makes me deeply sad that that chapter of our lives has closed, but we are truly on to new adventures! You will be so great in your new job, and we will all find new and enriching study opportunities. Bless you and thank you my friend.
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