I've said this before that losing Mike has also been a loss of life direction and anticipations...Everything I knew to be true seemed to be deconstructed and I've had to reconstruct my life these past months. Part of that has been listening to where my next calling is for my vocation...
For the past two years I've been building up my photography business, a "creative sabbatical" from my years of serving as a counselor and working in higher education. Before Mike's death I felt a desire to return to a career that would allow me to counsel again, be a part of building community. That desire has increased even more so this past year. The love my community has graced me with has been essential in my survival, my healing. And as I have been broken my heart for others has increased...wanting to walk alongside others who are also hurting.
Praying and hoping for a new career opportunity was difficult, messy, scary, but also affirming. I wanted to ask God to grant me a "break", to give me something to help me find life and purpose again. But I also was too fearful to hope for something good...
But I know a God who hears even our unspoken desires and prayers and in His grace blesses us with more than we can imagine...
So today I accepted a position at Ada Bible Church serving as the Care and Marriage Coordinator. This opportunity will be helping with various programs to help strengthen and heal marriages, a marriage mentoring program, assisting with womens and singles ministries...and I imagine a lot more! I am excited and thankful for this opportunity...To use my life story and my career experience to speak into this community, to advocate for strong marriages and healing of people's unique brokenness.
I will continue to find a place to pursue photography...I love the creative outlet and will continue to do it on the side.
With each new beginning there's always a layer of my grief mingled in...Mike's not here to celebrate with me, to support me. All of these new life choices are mine alone to make.
But I have felt the support and celebration of so many...so thanks to all of you have come alongside during this new beginning!
For the past two years I've been building up my photography business, a "creative sabbatical" from my years of serving as a counselor and working in higher education. Before Mike's death I felt a desire to return to a career that would allow me to counsel again, be a part of building community. That desire has increased even more so this past year. The love my community has graced me with has been essential in my survival, my healing. And as I have been broken my heart for others has increased...wanting to walk alongside others who are also hurting.
Praying and hoping for a new career opportunity was difficult, messy, scary, but also affirming. I wanted to ask God to grant me a "break", to give me something to help me find life and purpose again. But I also was too fearful to hope for something good...
But I know a God who hears even our unspoken desires and prayers and in His grace blesses us with more than we can imagine...
So today I accepted a position at Ada Bible Church serving as the Care and Marriage Coordinator. This opportunity will be helping with various programs to help strengthen and heal marriages, a marriage mentoring program, assisting with womens and singles ministries...and I imagine a lot more! I am excited and thankful for this opportunity...To use my life story and my career experience to speak into this community, to advocate for strong marriages and healing of people's unique brokenness.
I will continue to find a place to pursue photography...I love the creative outlet and will continue to do it on the side.
With each new beginning there's always a layer of my grief mingled in...Mike's not here to celebrate with me, to support me. All of these new life choices are mine alone to make.
But I have felt the support and celebration of so many...so thanks to all of you have come alongside during this new beginning!
10 comments:
very exciting! congrats.
Congrats, Kelly!! Very Exciting for you to be using your gift of counseling again!!
for one reason or another this news brings tears to my eyes. More than anything, joy at seeing where God is leading you. God is so good. He never is too good. Just good good good.
So proud of you, girl! People will be so blessed by your willingness to dive in and walk alongside of them.....
Love you!
Congrats! That's wonderful! I hope that you are strengthened and find joy in this new journey!
congrats! i'm so excited for you about this new job. i hope to see you later this month if possible :)
SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! :) i can't imagine anyone more perfect for the job.
they're lucky to have gotten YOU!
go girl!
Congratulations Kelly!
Kelly, so happy to hear your good news. You will be awesome in this position. Congrats!!!
Post a Comment