Ending

Four weeks ago, I put on my green apron for the last time.  I said good-bye to free lattes and the privilege of working on a shiny Mastrena.  For the last time, I handed a customer a cup of Pike with a smile.  Four weeks ago signaled the end.

For the past seven years, I've worked for Starbucks (minus a few four month breaks in there).  It was not a job that I sought after; it was a job that God gave me, knowing it would serve a good purpose in my life and in the life of my family. It was a job that provided for needs that Dave and I had.  It was a job that gave me hours when I needed work and breaks when I needed rest.  It was a job that challenged me to coach, lead, confront and encourage others.  It was a job that put me in touch with a LOT of people.

And now God has led me to leave that place (one of comfort, routine, dependability, security, ...caffeine) and trust him with a new adventure: that of staying at home with the boys.  In the months leading up to my last day, I was excited to be done, trusting God that it was the right decision.  In the weeks leading up to my last day, however, I was in a bit of emotional shock.  And the doubts began to creep in: Is this really the right thing to do?  Am I making a terrible mistake? Are we going to be able to survive on one paycheck? Will I regret this in six months? 

What a beautiful place to be. I was in complete trust of an all-powerful God.  I was humbly at his feet, hoping in his mercy and goodness. It was a little daunting, but mostly exciting, having faith that good would come because of obedience.

I was humbled to think of so many individuals who have gone before, who not only trusted God with their jobs, but with their homes, their travels, their families and their lives.

A month later, it's hard for me to imagine life any other way.  God has already provided for the areas that harbored my greatest hesitations.  The challenge for me now is to be seeking to follow Him daily, even when it's illogical or uncomfortable, knowing that there is great joy waiting for those who will end claim to their own life in order to begin with Him.