It came to pass

This is how it came to pass that I will start a new job on Monday.

The first week of April, two companies contacted me about open positions. I'd been with my current company for seven years and was not actively looking for something new. However, when people call me, it is time to pay attention.

The first interview went well. I really liked the person I'd be working for and what he'd been able to accomplish. But... was I ready to leave? Did I want to leave? But - there was opportunity to concentrate in my area of expertise, with possible advancement to a controller role in a few years. Tempting.

I needed more information. So, the logical next step was an on-site interview. Wow, I really liked the people! Practical, no-nonsense, hard-working. I especially liked the vision - because not only did it state the vision, it gave examples of what it looks like as people live it out. And then there were the daffodils.

Daffodils happen to be my favorite springtime flower. Technically, it's not just daffodils - but narcissus and jonquils as well. I have 200+ planted in my small front garden, creating a blazing, sunny statement in early spring. They're just - happy. Anyway, I noticed a beautiful bouquet of daffodils on someone's desk. And as I was introduced to many people in the organization, I noticed that each woman had a full bouquet of said flowers. When I inquired, I found that one of the women brought a bouquet for every woman that day, cut from her neighbor's garden. How cool was that?

The next step was to meet the VP. Again - practical, no-nonsense. I liked what I heard.

And then - the offer. Quite a bit better than the initial discussion. Very nice increase versus my current salary and bonus. Equivalent time off. Same benefits.

What to do? Take the leap? Not as easy a decision as it would appear, as I held a good position at a solid company and liked the people I worked with. Seven years' investment in building trust and credibility. And - the 'c' word - change. It's extraordinarily difficult for me.

The people who know me best and love me most were 100% on board with me taking the new position because they know my career goals and, like me, saw many positive indicators.

So it came to pass that yesterday was my last day... a day of tearful good-byes and well-wishes and stay-in-touches. I am blessed by seeing that I have made a difference, and that I have an "essence" or "energy" that will never be replaced. The work will get done, there will be a new influence - but nothing can take away the effect that I have had.

And nothing can stop the effect that I will have when I join my next employer on Monday. Dt. 2:7.