It’s June 30!
It’s past midnight after a long and exhausting day marked with farewells, best wishes, and “keep in touch” comments. I know I’ll have more of the same good-byes during the upcoming day.
I just can’t sleep!
So, I thought I’d take a moment and update (which I haven’t done in ages—I know!) and figured that—if reading this is boring enough to put you to sleep—writing it should knock me out.
I’m at that point again in my life… facing Doubt and Uncertainty. In case you didn’t know, I know them really well. They come and visit every so often; they’re not exactly friends, though. They’re more like bad company that trample on your new carpet, eat everything in your fridge, and don’t flush the toilet. Get the picture?
Anyway, back to Doubt and Uncertainty. This time, they’re taking me back to Pensacola and having me move back with my parents. They love to ask me about what I’m doing next… and honestly I just don’t know.
To let you know, and also to re-iterate to those who’ve asked before, this is my plan as I know it:
After June 30, I am no longer employed. I am going to take some (indefinite) time to relax and reflect on my life… figure out just exactly what my next move should be.
Yes, I am casually looking at job opportunities, and yes, I do have some leads, ranging from New Orleans to Tallahassee. I will consider as far north as Atlanta, and as far south as Tampa or Orlando (only because I think I need to renew my passport and obtain a visa in order to work in Miami.)
No, I don’t know what I want to do… hence, the period of reflection.
What I do know what I want to do (does that make sense?!?) is this: I want a career that is meaningful, has purpose, and focuses on meeting people’s needs. I WANT to be the catalyst that brings effective change in this world. Sounds like I want to be in AmeriCorps again, except to get paid slightly above something so small, they called it a “stipend”.
So, now that I’ve got that settled, I know there’s a world of possibilities out there. God is preparing me for something—I’ve heard His message many times over and I am truly humbled. I’ll never forget the young lady a few years ago in Atlanta who I had just met and who gave me that incredible message of destiny. And looking back, I see how many pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place.
Who knew that a young AmeriCorps*VISTA would start his service year at the American Red Cross in the late summer of 2001, and suddenly two weeks later, would be thrust into the heart of national response following the attacks of Sept. 11?
Who knew that same “mouthy” kid would participate in a training hosted by the State and impress the right person to be invited to the Statewide Hurricane Exercise in Tallahassee?
Who knew that nervous kid at that Exercise would stand in awe at being in the State Emergency Operations Center? (That awe would quickly wear off by 2004!) Or how that kid would be good enough that he was offered a job a few months later?
Who knew that naïve coordinator would work on a program that shaped volunteerism in disaster preparedness and response in time for four back-to-back hurricanes in 2004? Who knew that frustrated donations manager struggling hard through those four hurricanes, and who knew how he was so exhausted, he sought relief by exploring a new career opportunity?
Who knew that Manager of Volunteers would come to hospice so enthusiastic with ideas and full of initiative, only to grow disillusioned and feel discouraged that success was beyond his reach?
In all this, who knew?
God knew. And He knows my future. It will just take time and prayer.
Meanwhile, Doubt and Uncertainty keep me near, and that makes for a crowded bed.
Ah… bed. Sounds like a new plan I know I can follow.
Good night, dear friends and loved ones!
