Next Stop On The Journey

Approximately three weeks ago, I discovered some upcoming changes that would affect my job and, therefore, make leaving the only logical choice. After at least six years at this work environment, I was very attached to the people and atmosphere. I have seen old employees quit and new ones start. I was there during co-workers' ups and downs---major surgeries, loss of spouses, sickness, new houses, kids' going off to college. I spent many days and evenings working in our old historic building, then anticipating the completion of our new building, its exciting move and grand opening. Unless I ever packed up and relocated to a new city, I had no intentions of quitting.

Finding out I would need a new place to operate my studio felt like a break-up to me. Initially, I couldn't believe it was happening, hoped something might still work out, then had a couple of days of sad, intense crying. After a successful interview and new job offer, I began to feel a little more hopeful, but still overwhelmed at all the tedious tasks involved during the transition.
  
Tonight I attended a meeting and tour of my new workplace. For the first time, I felt not only calm and hopeful, but excited and eager. I could even see how this change might have even greater potential than I imagined. I began to look forward with enthusiasm at what possibilities this new life might hold for me, just as I eventually did after finally letting go of broken relationships.

Plenty of circumstances happen in life that I simply can not understand. But I do believe that God is able to bring good where we don't always expect it and greatly surpass our expectations. As hard as it is to say goodbye to the people who have been a bright spot of my day during break-ups, moves, and other hard times, I'm warming up to the idea that it is also possible something even better might lie ahead. I'm feeling peace about letting go of what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead.
  

Change is hard. Saying goodbye is hard. But my adventure isn't over. I'm starting to feel ready to explore the next stop on this journey.


When have you had to say goodbye to a situation/person before you were ready?
What good have you found in situations where you weren't expecting good?
When have you made the decision to reach forward to what is ahead?