Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Yesterday I made three grown men cry

There is a tiny speck in this photo that was actually a coyote walking across the frozen lake
Yesterday I finally got the call I have been waiting for.  I have a new job.  I start in 2 weeks.  I gave notice at my workplace - after working there for over 17 years.  And then I walked around and started telling people that I am leaving.  Most people looked at me dumbfounded until they realized what I meant.  A couple of people said they thought I would "always" be there, they can't imagine the place without me.  I assured them that it will go right on without me.  Several people spontaneously welled up with tears, including three men, and that made me feel good.  You really can't fake that.  

I feel very happy about this.  It was hard to make up my mind.  I am leaving a place where I am extremely comfortable.  I am leaving a beautiful office that I have loved - and going to a cubicle!  I am leaving a place that is an easy 10 minute drive - and going somewhere where I will have to pay ~$150 a month to park or ride the bus.  

But I have been hand-picked to be part of a new department.  I am the first person to be hired in the department and will get to be part of the hiring process for the others.  I will get to design our product!  I will be working outside of a hospital environment for the first time in 20 years - and I can't wait.  I will be in an office building downtown.  I will be just a couple of blocks away from the Cathedral - so I can go to mass on my way to and from work - and at lunch if I want.  

It is a new opportunity and I am grateful and excited.  I took my daughter out for dinner last night to celebrate.  She is very excited for me - she has worked in that building and is sure I will love it (even though I will be in a cubicle).  

I am sure over the next two weeks, I will have time to reflect on my time at the hospital.  It has been very good.  I started there when I was just 10 years sober - only 42 years old!  My kids were 17 and 15 at that time.  It seems like a lifetime ago.  I really need to move on.  Start the last chapter in my career. With hope in my heart.  

And I have a bit of that "touched by God" feeling.  I had prayed for something (anything!) to happen, and it did.  It was not my doing, I never applied for the job - I was chosen.  It is a wonderful thing.  

"First of all, we had to quit playing God.  It didn't work.  Next, we decided that hereafter in this drama of life, God was going to be our Director.  He is the Principal; we are His agents.  He is the Father, and we are His children.  Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom.

When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed.  We had a new Employer.  Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. "  -- Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 62 - 63

16 comments:

Syd said...

I am really glad for you MC. It sounds like you have made a decision that has been given much thought. A new challenge, new people, different surroundings can add a lot to the work we do.

Hope said...

I am thrilled for you MC! Love that the Cathedral is so close, too.

Have Myelin? said...

I am happy for you. New beginnings at the New Year.

A good start.

atomic momma said...

Congrats Mary Christine!!!! I can't wait to hear about this part of your journey. I loved your ant and grasshopper post but please keep in mind - you have your destined path in life and your friend has hers. You are where you are supposed to be today.

My dad worked, saved, scrimped but never really embraced life as I can understand it. He still lives every day worrying about money even though he has PLENTY. He doesn't get the joy of everyday life or gratitude the way you do.

You are a gift and a blessing to me in my life. So many days I want to give up but you keep me going.

Annette said...

You are so brave to step out of what is comfortable and jump into a new and wonderful experience. Congratulations!

Mary LA said...

Wonderful news! So happy for you.

dAAve said...

This is too kool.
I don't need to say more.

Anonymous said...

YAY! Happy that you are happy!

Kathy said...

Congratulation!!! I too moved from an office to a cubicle but have been in my "cube" for almost 9 years now. What can you do????? You will adjust.

Grace-WorkinProgress said...

Why is it so hard to let go and let God. It always works out better than you can imagine but we still can't trust the process.

I am waiting on God right now and have surrendered the best I can for today.

Great news.

shadowlands said...

Good news. Well done. xx

Tori said...

Congratulations! Almost two years ago I moved from an office with a beautiful view and the 2nd largest office in the company next to the president to.....a cubicle. It did take some getting used to and I admit I liked being able to close my door mainly so people wouldn't hear all the problems I was having with my son and his addiction.

Anyway, being in a cubicle is great! I feel much more a team with the other people and get to know them better and I really like that.

Best of luck to you!

amber said...

COngratulations! I have never met you, but feel you deserve this blessing. Thank you so much for taking the time out of ur day for us. Thank you for giving back!

Furtheron said...

Congrats... on the job not making the guys cry.

That is a big challenge and change - I left the place I'd been at for nearly 20 years about 18months ago - it was very weird

Lou said...

Change is good. How exciting!

Perhaps you will need to treat yourself to a new pair of shoes for your first day;)

Pammie said...

Oh you must be in a whirlwind of emotions with this one!
How spectacular is this????
I am hoping that the "newer ones" reading your blog today will realize just what it means now to keep doing what's in front of you and trusting God!
I'm so proud of you my Mary.