Unfortunately, setting off on a whole new adventure also means letting go of something and leaving it behind. This is the stage I'm in now - and will be for a little while longer. I finished at Whitworth this week - final performances, calculating final grades, turning in my keys, cleaning out my massive collection of music binders. I will finish teaching this week and next week. Last lessons have me thinking back to first lessons, 6 months ago, 2 years ago, 7 years ago. Saying goodbye to these little (and not-so-little!) ones will be hard - I have watched them grow up.
On the one hand, I was never more ready to be done. It's been a long year - exhausting, draining - I've been in survival mode for most, if not all of it. This day could not come soon enough. And on the other hand, I am starting to feel the loss. This has been my home for 7 years. 7 years. I was at Whitworth today, and as I walked out of the music building, I realized that I will not pass through those halls very many more times. It seems surreal. I shed my first tears this week, at the thought of leaving, and I have no doubt that there will be many more to follow them.
I will leave behind a wonderful work environment, incredible colleagues. a world that is familiar. I will leave behind a beautiful church family, a body that cares so well for one another, and is so outwardly-focused on serving God's creation. I will leave behind dear, dear friends - who have known me through ups and downs, who have walked with me through many a journey, who know me better than I know myself. The events of even just the last week have reminded me of how precious and irreplaceable these friends are. Indeed, I am extremely blessed. And grateful.
But the time has come for a new season. I am well-aware of that. My heart, mind and body are in agreement. I have been restless for awhile. It's time for change - a fresh challenge, a new adventure. And tonight, while I am still only beginning to grieve the leaving, I look ahead and find hope and solace in the fact that there is much to be gained in the going.
