It's both exhilarating and a tad bit frightening to think of starting out at a new place. Despite the fact that I already love the company and their location (so gorgeous!), it's nerve-racking to realize I'll be "the newbie" in my department. But I've found comfort in the common knowledge that everyone has to start at the beginning.
I discovered an example while watching Disney's Mulan the other night back at home. Mulan desperately wanted to know where she could be true to herself, where she could be who she was meant to be. And she ended up making a big difference and excelling in the army. Yet, we all know and love this song and the scene that goes with it:
Mulan didn't join up one day and then immediately save China. She made some mistakes. It took her time to build friendships. She went through a lot of pain and grief in order to develop the strength she needed to do her job well.
Now, I believe my experiences have truly helped to prepared me for this career. And I've already had the opportunity to meet some of my coworkers, and they all seem so nice and fun! Even still, I know it's going to take time and hard work to learn all the ins and outs of my new position, and to reach beyond my introversion to connect with others and find a community.
So I'll get up and go to work tomorrow with the reminder that, even when you're planted where you belong, you still have to grow. You still have to lift your face to the sun, take care of yourself, work well with the garden around you, and give yourself time to bloom.
I'll also go with the reminder that the One who does the planting, the growing, and the harvesting - the Son who gives me what I need to blossom - is with me. And only through Him can I take my employer's motto to heart: "Grow True."
(Mulan images from the Mulan Facebook page.)
22 comments:
Beautiful thoughts and encouragement, Amber. Thank you for writing this not just for yourself but also for everyone reading it - it's easily relatable and something to take to heart.
Thank you.
With tomorrow being your first day, I'll be thinking of you. I've no doubt, you'll do great. All the best. :)
Holy Catnip, Aunt Amber! I know just what you're going through! I went through the same kind of stuff when I became a cat detective!! I sure had lots of things to learn, and it took me a while to get used to the job. But my brother, Bogey, always gave me the best advice when he said, "Don't sweat it, kid. You'll be great." And you know what? He was right.
Besides that, our Mom will be praying for you, and we know God will be with you the whole way!! And our Mom would say, "It's the journey, not the destination, that makes life interesting . . ." Of course, I have no idea what that means, but it sounds kind of cool . . .
Your pal,
Buckley Bergdorf
Cat Detective
Yay, Amber! I am hoping that the first day of your new season in life is filled with many blessings, and that the blessings continue. And may the boundaries of introvertism (just made up that word, ha ha) stretch- I understand the feeling of going beyond the comfort zone. Difficult, but not impossible. Just got to take a deep breath and take the plunge. :-D
Sending you hugs and many well wishes!
Grace
Amber, I hope this new chapter of your life is full of blessings, new friends, and doors opened by God!! Congrats :)
So, SO true, Amber. <3 Such a beautiful way you put that. "Even when you're planted where you belong, you still have to grow. You still have to lift your face to the sun, take care of yourself, work well with the garden around you, and give yourself time to bloom."
SO excited for this new season of life for you, and am keeping you in my prayers. <3
You'll do WONDERFULLY. Bless you :)
Thanks for reminding us of this, Amber. This is a fantastic post.
Best wishes on your new job!
How exciting to start a brand new job! Hope your first few days went well. I'll keep you in my prayers for an easy transition into your new work there.
God bless : )
Rissi,
Aww, it's my pleasure! It's a comfort to know we all go through these things, and I'm glad I could write about something we all can relate to. :) Thank YOU for the encouragement and your confidence in me! I had a fabulous first day - I'm blessed to be working with such awesome people in a wonderful environment.
~Amber
Buckley,
That's right! You do understand all about starting something new, something you're uncertain about... But Bogey gives great advice, doesn't he? You can't go wrong with wonderful friends like him by your side, right? :)
Speaking of wonderful friends, your mom is the best! Please thank her for her prayers. I owe her another email soon. :)
*Cuddles*
~Amber
Grace,
Thank you so much for the understanding and encouragement! Based on your latest blog post, I know you're facing some new challenges and having to overcome fears, as well... Praying for you, my friend! I understand being in that place of uncertainty. I actually wrote a bit about it in my guest post for Rachelle's blog, if you don't mind me sharing the link. :)
Daring to Hope
May God give you the grace and strength to dare to hope in His good plan for your life! ♥ Thank you again for your kind words - and that important reminder to breathe. :)
~Amber
Ashlee,
Thank you for the sweet words! I'm already feeling so blessed by new friends and a lovely place to live. :) God is so good!
~Amber
Meghan,
Aww, I'm so happy the post resonated with you! It's hard to tell sometimes if a post is too simple or too all-over-the-place, so I'm glad this still made sense. :)
Thank you so very much for those prayers, and for sharing my joy! I truly appreciate your friendship. ♥
~Amber
Ganise,
*blushing* Thank you!! God bless you, as well, my friend. :)
~Amber
Melody,
You're very welcome - I'm honored you liked the post! Thank you so much for stopping by and wishing me well. :) *Hugs*
~Amber
Cathy,
Soo exciting - I'm working at an awesome place! And yes, my first couple of days have been great. :) Love my coworkers. Thank you so much for those prayers, and for your friendship!
~Amber
Awesome sauce, Amber!!! I'm so excited for you on your new journey with Harvest House. From Border's Girl to Harvest House Lady -- it's so great to follow along with you! Since I've been a follower for a few years, I expect the scoop on all the new fiction! Hahaha! Just kidding. Best wishes, hon. :)
Renee,
Hehe, thank you so much, my friend! I like that - "Harvest House Lady." That should be my new social-media name. ;) (I do love the reference to "Borders Girl" days!)
I'm so blessed by your constant friendship! And LOL about the scoop. ;) I'm sure there will be some Harvest House promotion here - how can I not gush?? Thanks again for everything!
~Amber
I don't blame you a bit, if I worked for a publisher or any place that dealt with books, I'd TOTALLY gush too! I'll be keeping an eye out for book news. ;-)
Renee,
Hehe, indeed! I can't really share about things ahead of time, but I'll try to point out exciting things once they're announced online (etc.). :) It's great fun to be part of the marketing team, let me tell you!
~Amber
Wonderfully spoken, my friend! I truly do hope that your first week went lovely. New starts are always a bit nerve-wracking (believe me, I know this! :)and I trust your butterflies soon flew away. Thinking and praying for you lots! :)
Kara,
Thank you!! My first week was busy, but also quite lovely. :) I love where I'm working!
And I know you totally understand about the new beginnings! Hope you're doing well, too, my friend. *Hugs*
Those butterflies come and go depending on the new challenges, but I think they're visiting less frequently. ;) Thanks so very much for the prayers!
~Amber
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