Back to School

Fall is almost upon us. Leaves are beginning to change color and fall from the trees. Summer is getting in those final gasps of warm weather and our children have gone back to school. Our summer weather got such a late start in the Puget Sound, it really seems like we hardly experienced summer at all. Once it began, though, the weather was glorious and my family had ample time to enjoy it.

As I've noted recently, I'm in a transition of sorts. I wouldn't call it a mid-life crisis but at 44, some people may take it for one. I consider it more of an opportunity for change and growth. In some ways, I'm headed back to "school" as well.

I have a lot to learn and I will be the first to admit it. Just three short years ago I found myself out of work following a layoff (are we seeing a pattern here?) but it seemed different. This go around, I'm determined to land a new career squarely centered on my strengths and interests. As fall brings changes galore, so has this job search. I'm considering a full-blown career change into the medical field but would also like to engage in some writing classes. Lord knows I need the help!

I'm learning --- slowly, perhaps --- that life is more than just working a 9-to-5 job. I'm looking for fulfillment in a few different areas. One of those is completing due diligence about the formation of a non-profit to assist families of seriously ill children; specifically, families with liver diseases. There are many organizations already out there that offer financial assistance and even housing. Our idea is more about emotional and physical help based on our experiences in the hospital. I will delve into this in a little more detail in a future post.

Then there's my writing, which is taking on a different nonfiction-focused edge. There are three books screaming to be written, including one picture book. I have an essay idea or two burning a hole in my pocket, and that doesn't count the one I wrote about Sarah's initial diagnosis that I still hope to land somewhere.

So, leaves begin to fall, the kids are in school and I get to learn new lessons and step forward in faith into a new beginning with my career, my writing and serving others. What a fabulous season to reside in.