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...

Denied

Well, last week the battle with Medicaid was completed. They will not cover me for June, due to my income having been above their threshold during that month.

At first, I was upset. I got hit. But I cried out to the Lord to help me, and there came the peace, just as He promised.

"Ask, and you shall receive. Seek & you shall find. Knock, and it will be open to you." That's what that scripture is talking about. Not material things. When we ask for His will in His name, it will be given. His will is love, mercy, peace, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control, repentance & forgiveness, holiness, deliverance.

Who cares about unpaid medical bills? Yes, they must be paid. I will do what I must to take care of that debt. I hate debt. Debt is a plague. The Lord said to owe no man anything, except love. Proverbs said the borrower is a slave to the lender.

Well, I am tired of being a slave. I am tired of working all the time just to make ends meet. Enough is enough! I'm sick of just surviving. I want to LIVE! I want to give myself to the work of the Lord.

So, Lord, what is my next move? What would YOU have me to do?