Changes

So, those of you who've been aware of my work situation for the past year will know that it has been quite challenging at times.

But, there's been a bit of a shake-up in the works this week, and now that everything is official, I can post it here and share with all of you.

There has been someone I've found particularly challenging to work with. Due to a number of factors, she has chosen to move on to other things. Her last day with our company was yesterday.

On Monday, I was made aware that these changes were coming, and asked to consider taking her position on. After praying and consulting some trusted advisors, on Tuesday I agreed.

Today, we formalized this new step, and I can now tell you that as of this morning my job title has changed from Receptionist/Administrative Assistant to Administration and HR Coordinator. I'm excited about the new step - concerned about the potential for ongoing conflict in our company, but excited to be stepping into a new and challenging position.

It does, however, feel a bit weird.

About a year and a half ago, when they created this position, before "particularly challenging coworker" was hired, I'd applied and was a strong candidate for the the position. Because of the direction God seemed to be taking me at the time, I withdrew my candidacy and they eventually hired "particularly challenging coworker". I left the country for five weeks, and returned to a bit of a maelstrom that has lasted for the entirety of the last year. The directions it had seemed God was leading me changed. The doors that had seemed wide open closed. I spent much of the year struggling with questions and timing.

And now, a year and a half later, I've accepted the position that I removed myself from competition for then. It was the door that seems open in front of me. It brings its own unique set of challenges, and a steep learning curve for a while.

I'm feeling a bit bittersweet, thinking about the year that has passed, what I thought would be, and what is. But I'm excited, too, to see things changing, hopefully for the better.

Here's to new things amidst the rubble of the old.

Headline

Butterflies Hit by Damp Summer

Progressing through Holy Week (another thought from Henri)

As this holy week progresses, I'm pulling a bit into myself. Working through some things. Making some decisions. Navigating some changes that are small, and some that are rather large. I'll likely have a post about some of that sometime in the next day or so. But in the meantime, I hope you'll forgive me if I offer you the words of others more often than my own.

Today I have a thought on shyness from Henri Nouwen to share with you. I'm not a particularly shy person, but, as an introvert who definitely prefers a background role in large social settings (or just prefers to avoid said large social settings) I've often been accused of being shy. And, I do know some people who are genuinely shy. Anyway, I like the challenge of this thought. The invitation to a "wordless being together in love."

The Beauty of Shyness

There is something beautiful about shyness, even though in our culture shyness is not considered a virtue. On the contrary, we are encouraged to be direct, look people straight in the eyes, tell them what is on our minds, and share our stories without a blush.

But this unflinching soul-baring, confessional attitude quickly becomes boring. It is like trees without shadows. Shy people have long shadows, where they keep much of their beauty hidden from intruders' eyes. Shy people remind us of the mystery of life that cannot be simply explained or expressed. They invite us to reverent and respectful friendships and to a wordless being together in love.