Throughout 2012, I had an itch. Something was changing, but what? I started exploring where I was headed in life, trying to figure out what I most enjoyed doing and why.
In the fall of 2012, when I discovered my end to youth ministry was coming faster than I had ever anticipated, I moved the exploration journey to warp speed. And I started focusing forward: one foot in front of the other, step by step.
I started reading, writing, talking, discussing and networking. In July 2012, I wrote,
“I want to help people.”
January 2013 brought this nugget of my ideas for an ideal job:
- teaching/presenting
- missional focus
- an environment both within and outside of the Church
- using a platform to advocate for the Common Good of RVA
Fast forward to 2014: I have started my new role as Director of Programming with First Things First of Greater Richmond. FTF is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families for a better community and as Director of Programming, I will work with our team of volunteers and staff who lead breakout sessions, short programs and multi-session classes for parents, couples, teenagers and more.
Looking back at this 18+ month journey of exploration, I remember wondering, “What in the world am I going to do with my life?”
Throughout those 18 months, we had great opportunities to spend time together as a family. We went to the beach 3 times last summer. We spent countless days and weekends on road trips, just the 3 of us. Our family was the focus of our season, and it was great.
What better way to spend this next season of my life than to pour into other families throughout Richmond? And what better fit than to fulfill all 4 points I wrote down a year ago?
After 43 job applications and 17 interviews, I am glad the search process is over. And I’m glad the next step of this journey is such a great fit. I’m looking forward to learning and investing in Our City.
While I will miss the road trips and beach trips and all of the family time we enjoyed over the past year, I am grateful this organization is focused on keeping first things first. I’m ready to keep doing the same thing.
Keep up with First Things First at www.FirstThingsRichmond.org. Looking for marriage, parenting or relationship programs for your community organization, business, school or church? We can help!
