What I've Learned

One week. I have one week left at my job. One week from today I will be a stay-at-home mom for the first time since Graham was 3 months old.

I know, I know. I seem to be making a huge deal of this. But really? It's a big life change. We've had a routine down for a year and a half, and in a week, that all changes. But more than that, I have been so very blessed. Blessed because I've been able to do something I truly love and believe in since just after college graduation. In the last seven years, I've realized that it's a rare thing to find people who are truly passionate about their jobs and love what they do. I was able to be one of those people, which is why it's so hard to leave. Sure, I'll get to stay home with my son, and I know that there are going to be so many new joys (and not-so-joyous occasions) that come along with that. But I think it's good to acknowledge endings, own your feelings, and 'grieve' in a way, when things end.

So, that's what I'm doing tonight. And I'm doing it by recounting some of the lessons I've learned along the way. I started as a job coach for our Deaf and hard of hearing clients, and ended directing our supported employment programs and serving on a state committee. Seven years is a long time, and I've learned a lot. Some things came easily, some came the hard way (almost everything with management). Here they are, in no particular order:

• patience, patience, patience!
• learning styles are so much more than just auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, and if you can pinpoint a learning style, you have the potential to have a great employee
• managing people is hard, and messy
• being a boss and also being perceived as 'nice' don't always go hand in hand, even when you want them to
• being a boss while being gracious and just should always go hand in hand, and will gain one more respect than 'niceness' ever could
• government programs and political affiliations aren't always so black and white - especially when you see the good and the bad directly affecting people
• there is still a lot of stigma about people with disabilities, even in the community that exists to serve this population
• sheltered workshops (as a whole), in their current model, are not in the best interests of the people 'working' there
• work may look like many different things, but the value placed on it should be the same
• every small act you do may have a huge impact on others' lives
• I really like policy making and being part of decisions on a larger scale
• I enjoy learning, and enjoy teaching those who want to learn
• you work best when you love what you do, and believe in it
• character matters. If you can do a job with your eyes closed but have no character, I'd prefer you work elsewhere
• people matter. Every person. Age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation. Maybe we disagree, maybe you make me uncomfortable. But you.matter. and I can learn a lot from you
• there is value in work; in accomplishing something and in contributing
• to paraphrase Proverbs: never made a decision without an abundance of wise counsel
• actually, reading Proverbs daily is the best way to manage people
• be pleasant even when it's hard - it's contagious
• people are people. Big-time CEOs, the person cleaning the toilets. Be kind and be a professional with everyone, and don't be afraid to talk to people. You may make some surprising friends
• always stand up for what is right. Do it respectfully, but don't give in
• be willing to admit when you are wrong, and learn from your mistakes - that's when growth happens
• know your limits. and be willing to ask for help
• helping someone may mean saying 'no' or 'I can't do that'
• never assume what someone is or isn't capable of - they may surprise you!
• humble confidence can get you through doors you never thought would open
• having a good team can make or break a business

I could go on and on and on. But I'll leave you with this, as I think it's one of the most important lessons I've learned:

• this world is imperfect, but God allows common graces every day for us to see glimpses of His beauty. Oftentimes, it's in the faces of those society deems as 'less than'  or not 'normal'. Be aware of this, and look for His handiwork in everyone - better yet, pray for the grace to be an example of this grace to everyone.