End of an Era

For nearly 16 years, my face has been the first one you might see if you visited the church office where I worked as the secretary...or administrative assistant...or office manager... Whatever my title through the years, the job was full of adventure and surprises, along with a dose of monotony here and there. For the most part, I have really enjoyed my work in the church office, and I believe that I was well suited for it. This is is my most recent photo and profile from the church's website:

"[Pretty] has been our office manager since April, 2000. If you make contact through the church office, the odds are good that you'll meet [Pretty] first. She is married to [Sweetie], and they have two grown children and two grandkids. As a member of this church since 1995 when the family moved to the Cleveland area, [Pretty's] heart is truly in her work, but she also likes to knit. She knits a lot." *

I'd say that's pretty accurate. I have lived and loved this job for more than a decade-and-a-half. However, an opportunity has completely bowled me over this year. A new job has landed squarely in my lap...a job with a raise and some opportunity for growth. The company is pretty impressive, too. This was not an easy decision, and even though it took me quite by surprise, I cannot turn down this great opportunity. My decision has been reinforced as I have slowly shared with some local friends about my impending professional transition. First responses have often been, "Wow! You can't turn that down!" So I took the job, and my last day in the church office was yesterday.

When I pulled into the parking lot on Friday morning, I marveled at the beautiful property that has been my work home for so long. 

"This is the end of the Pam-the-Church-Secretary era," I thought quietly to myself as I admired the soft, early stillness of a late winter morning in an empty parking lot with this Friday-morning view all to myself: 

However, it is also a new beginning. I start my new job at the end of the month, and I am super excited to learn new things and work with new people! Still, it was a little sad when I left my office at the church for the last time yesterday afternoon. Thank you Neal, Bob and David for the lovely "parting gifts." I will think of you all fondly while I guzzle salsa at Fiesta Jalepeno, then curse the tacos while I try on new jeans at Kohls! You guys nailed it, those are a couple of my favorite places! Of course, if you'd gotten me yarn, I would remember that forever...lol! I love you guys!

Plus, it's not like we won't see each other. I'll still be there on Sundays (and Thursdays for knitting, duh!). I won't have the parking lot or the view or the echo-y atrium to myself, but I will be there. Actually, I'm kindof looking forward to Sunday mornings without access to the copy machine, computer or keys to the office. After 16 years of being a go-to gal, 6-7 days a week, this week I will be just another worshiper in the crowd. In this season of change, I look forward to getting re-acquainted with my church from this new perspective, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for all of us next!

For now, at least for the next three weeks, I think I will knit and catch up on some things I have neglected. A little Pretty time feels long overdue. 

If you are a local friend, I hope that I will see you at church tomorrow. I promise to not run off on "official church business" if you stop to say hello. If you are a local friend who doesn't know where I go to church, email me at PrettyKnittyJewelry (at) yahoo (dot) com, and I will send you the particulars. I would love for you to join me and Sweetie any Sunday, but especially during the Easter season, where God's love looms large in a sacrifice made for all of us. 

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health. 

*Names have been changed to protect innocent husbands. ;o)