I have had 3 office partners in the time I have worked at the church, all gifts to my heart. The longest was Angie (she who cared so lovingly for our elders). She and I got to the point after years of sharing space that we intuitively knew how to balance each day with and for one another. Celia (she who takes endless teeny tiny notes of ideas, things to remember or to-dos) was my shortest partner, taking the job after working the summer in Durango and wanting to try living here year round. She gifted me by making the transition smooth and efficient, but soon rose to take on the Children and Family Ministry using her degree in Early Childhood. And then Lauren... queen of humor. She loved all things data (which I don't!) and had a wonderful way of expressing her thoughts, both in writing and verbally. As you can tell from the photos she brought a lightness to the office that I will miss greatly!
Lauren resigned. Sigh. For those of us close to her this is both grief and joy. This is Lauren leaning into life. My sense of her is she's an introvert and she used the last several years to explore who she is, understand her own energy and find a way to make a meaningful contribution to the world. This amazingly funny woman on the outside is very quiet and introspective on the inside. In exploring possible future scenarios she realized she wanted more. She took her past of doubting, comparing, getting in her own way, scared to shine too brightly, but afraid of not being seen and found that she could use those feelings to grow. Growing pains can be scary, but in the end they do light the path to an unwavering belief that you can be all you choose to be. I think Lauren decided this for herself and I pray she moves forward in confidence.
In departing, Lauren gifted me with treats and an amazing card. I truly wish all the words she spoke were true, but alas she was wearing her rose colored glasses! Russ was so touched he wanted me to do a blog post, highlighting her words. I do so here, but only humbly. Our work relationship worked, different generations, different work styles, different. I can safely say I did not understand half her references to movies. her Instagram posts or musicians. But that's OK, she didn't hold that against me and we helped one another grow.
Linda,
Words can't express my respect of and admiration for you. I have learned from you the grace to hold in tension, struggle and gratitude, grief and joy. You are an example of how to embrace the full human experience, not simply cherry pick parts we like and ignore the rest.
I hope to love like you with more than your whole heart and all that you have. You love new and rich experiences. You love laughter and finding the humor in life. You love others and what makes them unique. You love Russ, your memories together, and who he is today. I pray you know you are loved as widely as your love is spread, You enrich life and I am grateful and lucky to share in that. I love you and already miss working together. As a co-worker, you are dependable and responsible, prepared and thorough. What a joy to work with you! As a friend you are caring, forgiving, and attentive. You have been an anchor in an wildly unpredictable season and I thank God for your patience, your support and your solidarity. I don't know how to end this so I'll just say thank you... a million times... Love, Lauren
And with those words, my space is a bit empty, filled with hope for Lauren that her decision finds positive expression.