End of an Era

Yesterday marked the end of an era for me. After 6 and a 1/2 years, I left my job in Atlanta. I started working there at the ripe age of 21, and much has happened in my life since that day. SC played a major role in my life, and it was hard to let it go, but I knew it was time.

Getting out of debt and eliminating stress is allowing me to work part-time, so I had to choose which job I wanted more. My non-profit work is rewarding, pretty well stress-free, and allows me to meet new people and enjoy various experiences I would otherwise not have.

The Atlanta job was remote, which was very convenient; however, I am also moving, and my new home does not allow for a work-from-home deal. And I must be honest, I couldn't handle the work anymore.

It was a fairly simple decision. The difficult part was saying goodbye to something that was an important part of my life for so many years, not to mention the wonderful people I worked with during that time.

After working my last shift from home on Tuesday, I drove down to Atlanta yesterday to turn in my badge & equipment, and to say goodbye. Life being what it is, I knew in my heart I likely wouldn't see these people ever again, with the exception of a precious few. So I made my rounds, and gave them what was in my heart. There was nothing to lose anymore, and so there was no fear of rejection. Each and every one of them is precious in the sight of God, but He wants them to KNOW Him: His love & mercy, His life, who He is. Time is short, and we are not guaranteed tomorrow. This is the message I tried my best to convey to those I spoke with.

Until you walk in a place like this, you just don't realize this life is temporary, and that there is eternity after this short experience. Death is an idea to most people; it's not real. To me, death is very real, but mortality is not something to fear. If we are where we should be with the Lord, death can be beautiful, and something to look forward to.

So I walked into that building for the last time, and I can only pray the presence of the Lord remained when I walked out that door. He is inside of me, and HE is what I want to leave behind wherever I go, like a footprint in the sand.

The end of one chapter, and the beginning of the next...