I've probably mentioned it more than once here that one of my favorite poems is Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken.". It's when I'm approaching a crossroads in my life that this poem always comes to mind. I always refer to it when I have big decisions to make.
There are a few things going on right now that indicates there might be some new changes on the horizon for me professionally. I'm not at that point to share (it will all unfold in a few weeks-- don't worry I'll mention it soon), but I'm certain there will be new adventures ahead.
These changing events, coupled with my sister's graduation yesterday, along with the nearly three hour-long boring ceremony, forced me into reflection on how far I've come since my own college graduation seven years ago. (First of all, I can't believe it's been seven years! I'm getting old!)
Seven years ago I never imagined that I would work in the realm of disaster or be living in Tallahassee. I knew there was part of me that wanted to join AmeriCorps-- I even looked at a program in Alaska 'cause I thought it'd be so cool.
No, it would not happen. Instead, I joined a team at the local Red Cross in Pensacola. I took my oath on the last week in August, 2001. Two weeks later, the defining moment of my generation that would catapult homeland security to the major issue in America... the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. I found myself engrossed in local response and fundraising efforts.
It would be the terrorist attacks that would lead to the creation of volunteer programs focusing on homeland security and disaster preparedness. I eventually was hired to manage one of those programs across Florida.
Working with different sites across the state, Volunteer Centers began walking the path to disaster response and relief. Together, we planned, exercised, evaluated, and continued to grow their programs. Two years later, four hurricanes in a two month period would devastate Florida, but the Centers triumphed and were heralded as very dependable disaster partners.
I took a break for a year because the hurricanes were just too much for me.. and I ended up managing volunteers for a hospice organization. (Yeah, what a jump.) However, in my quest to better learn and understand volunteer management, I developed great respect for volunteer managers in this field. Hospice is the only area where volunteerism is a requirement for reimbursement of Medicare funds. It wasn't my "thing," but I took with me a better understanding of the day-to-day joys and challenges of directly managing volunteers.
Following my stint there, I ended up at a foundation with a program that helps low-income residents make their homes stronger against hurricanes. It wasn't my ideal program, but it's allowed me to gain more experience managing programs and building collaborations.
So, everything has built me up to something else, and now that "something else" may be here. In looking back of what I went through in my life to now, it's clear that God has guided me all along. It's my own hesitation and insecurity that's always kept me in doubt.
Well, wish me luck in the days ahead should I have to take a great leap of faith. In the meantime, why don't you take a great leap of your own?
Remember that God is our publisher and editor, but we are the authors of our own lives. We have a novel in each of us, so let's write our adventures now!
