Change is good

This past week brought changes to my life ...

I started my new job on Monday in the old part of our town. I'm working for a lady who makes amazing candles. I'm learning more than retail ~ all the candles are made in the studios. I helped the owner mix & pour some that are in glass, then later learned how to clean & prepare them for sale. I've learned how to wrap the botanical candles. The candle fragrances are not overwhelming, so I don't get a headache -- I'm very grateful for that. I'm learning about the different employees and each is so unique. This is a job where I can see myself staying a long time ~ if they'll have me.

Several weeks ago (OK ~ over a month ago), I was sent the 3rd quarter report for our company & was supposed to review/comment on the report. Last week, I finally got around to looking at the report & emailed my comments to the rest of the Board members. One of the member's sent a response with his analysis of my "emotional" comments. That was more than a bit upsetting. While I admit to being emotional (hello ~ female ... estrogen ... duh!), I was not "emotional" in my comments. He misunderstood my comments and the context in which I made them. So, I had to explain the comments and define the context (again), but with different words, so it could be clearer to him. After going through all of that, I talked with Dave & told him I was going to resign from the Board of Directors. I've been praying & talking to Dave about this all year. It just isn't worth the frustration & continued misunderstanding. Sadly, it has always seemed that my comments & opinions are not regarded as "valid" or "informed" enough. Anyway, Dave said that I should do whatever is best ~ however the Lord leads. After letting the others know that I will step down from the board at the end of this year, there was peace & relief. I can be an owner, but don't have to be part of the continuing discussion or wrestling with position. It's taken a while ~ over a year ~ but I truly am done. I'm able to let go &, bec. I know this is what God wants me to do, trust the others to do what is best for the company. It's not "mine" ~ it all belongs to the Lord. And, whether or not some of the board members handle matters with that in mind isn't up to me. I trust the Lord to direct them & use their position/responsibilities to bring them closer to Him & make decisions that are in the company's best interest & glorify Him.

Change is often difficult, but when I keep my focus on Who is leading me in the midst of the change, I can look ahead rather than at the moment. There is peace, even in the process & I am grateful that God still works in my life. I pray I will always be teachable, learning to look to the Lord rather than at my situation. I pray my life will glorify Him.