The beginning of the end

There’s really nothing spectacular about today. It’s a crisp, snowless Saturday in December. Shoppers are rushing about to fill their Christmas lists. At my church, more children will join the rolls of those who have participated in our “Christmas Market”–“purchasing” Christmas gifts for family members. In another, not so busy world, I might be celebrating Santa Lucia Day.

And I’m going to work–just another Saturday.

Only not. Because today is my last day on the job.

I have only ten more hours at Harper Dining Services.

I know I probably sound melodramatic. It’s not really that big of deal. Or is it?

So far, in my short working history, this has been my longest stint at a single establishment. I’ve worked at Harper for two years. And unlike the other jobs, that were part time and off and on, this one was continuous and full time.

Harper marks my transition from “student staff” to “full-time staff”. It’s where I made my transition from “work-force” to “management”. Harper transitioned me from “student” to “graduate”.

And now I’m moving on. It’s time for me to transition from “worker” to “professional”.

I’m excited to be moving forward. I’m finally taking that next step towards becoming a registered dietitian. I’m on the cusp of my professional life. But steps forward mean leaving things behind, and opportunity taken closes other doors.

I’m a bit melancholy as I begin my last day. Remembering how terrified I was of managing when I first began. Thinking of the growth I’ve experienced over the past two years. Contemplating the many relationships I’ve built at Harper. I’m going to miss them-my bosses, my co-workers, the student workers, the college students. Maybe even the football players. It’s been a great chapter of my life.

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to have served among such amazing people. Thank you for the opportunity to have grown as I have through my employment at HDS. Thank you for the relationships you’ve allowed me to experience here. Thank you for providing for my needs through this job–but even more, for all the people along the way. As one chapter closes and the next page yawns blank before me, give me grace to remain connected with the past as I embrace the future.