Finally, an end to the story. I have been offered and accepted a job as City Manager for a city located in my hometown county. I start March 15, 2010.

I feel many things.

First of all, gratitude. I am so grateful for God’s guidance and God’s provision. I should never have made it safe thus far, and I did, through none of my own doing. Six months of unemployment has been emotionally harrowing and sometimes terrifying. That said, it has been a time that has drawn me closer to God. I have felt His presence in a dramatic and personal way. It has been a time of self discovery. God provided me this time to travel, reflect, and write in a way I have never experienced before. I know more about myself, more about how to live my life, than I could have dreamed. I feel my faith has been rewarded, and I am grateful.

I feel awe. There really is a God. There really is a plan, NOT my plan. I could have NEVER dreamed the course of the last year. I am in awe.

I feel joy. I am returning to my family and friends, and my heart home. I am excited about being among them again, and about the challenges of the new job. You can’t be in this business and not be up for extreme challenges. I am ready.

I feel sad. I have made many friends in Austin that I will miss. I hope to stay in touch. And I love Austin. I have had a really good time. Living here has been a vacation in itself. A three year vacation. Again, I am grateful. I will return on a regular basis. I have to have my hair done here. No doubt about it!

So we press on toward a new future with joy and anticipation.

It isn’t really the end of the story, though. It is just the end of this chapter. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Once again I live in anticipation of the next bend in the road.

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