"Let's Get Down to Business..."

Well, it's finally time! With the generous and unfailing support of my parents, I have settled into my lovely new apartment, and my first day of work is tomorrow...

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.)