In Transition 678: I'M NOT GOOD AT GOODBYES

It's around this time of year when we begin to find out who is retiring, moving away, transferring, or simply not coming back next year. Let's just say I like things to stay the same. It's a flaw, I know, especially in these times where the only thing that remains constant is change. (Hence, the title of my blog, "In Transition".)

I've been teaching at the same school since 2003. Before then I taught at the same school for ten years. When you're at a school for an extended amount of time the people you work with become your academic family. Together you experience the good and the bad, the ups and downs. You mourn and celebrate together, personal and professional

experiences.

Last week I learned three teachers are moving on in my department alone. That's not counting my two pod mates that belong to other departments.

I must admit I was taken.

I would say, within the last three to five years, major changes started to hit. Dear colleagues, friends, framily, began to leave. This year proves the changes are still a constant. And, when people begin to move on, grow, take risks, you wonder, "What about me?"

It's easy, very easy, to compare your own situation with everyone else's,

"Should I be taking risks, moving on, too?"

I further realized the manner in which my own situation will be different as people move on.

It's both exciting and challenging at the same time.

New people will be coming on board with more or less knowledge of what they're about to embark in. We'll need to establish boundaries and find our working ways.

Theoretically, it's a new opportunity to grow by helping and mentoring. However, in all practicality, it doesn't always work out that way or it's not always received that way. I guess the unknown is always a mystery.

I'm a faith girl. I filter all of my stuff through my faith and my beliefs. It's my criteria if you will,

my constant in the middle of a changing world.

As I reflect on what does all of this mean for me,

I realize that my situation is in fact mine.

Everyone has to do what is right for them,

and I must caution myself from making decisions based on the circumstances of others.

I'm reminded of the animal kingdom.

Some species thrive in an environment for a season then they must migrate to another when the seasons change. I suppose it might work the same way for us.

We should bloom in our designated places at our designated seasons.

For me this means, I continue to bloom and flourish where I am for such a time as this. For others, it means they must move to new environments with new assignments and new mountains to conquer. As much as I'm going to miss them all, I fully understand and wish them much success and happiness.

And, furthermore, and probably most importantly, my faith reminds me, that I am not alone.

God is with me.

He is with me always.

He's not going anywhere!