When God closes a door...

First blog of 2015. Everything feels so fresh, so new. It's almost like we get a "do over" every 365 days. Of course, we don't really, but it feels like that sometimes. It seems that this is a good time to reflect on your life. How are things going? What makes you happy? What makes you sad? What are you doing well? What could you do better at? What changes will you make in the coming year?

I found myself asking these questions and more as I closed out 2014. The answers surprised even me! I took my concerns to my husband and then we both took them to God in prayer. After much talking and praying, we decided that I would resign from my position as the Client Services Director at We Care Pregnancy Clinic. Believe me, you are not more shocked than I was. I NEVER thought I would leave We Care. I love what We Care does. I love the volunteers. I love the clients.

So, why leave? Well, there are lots of answers to that question. There is no one huge answer. Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that I am not doing my job to the best of my ability. I have been distracted. That goes for both of my jobs, at home and at the clinic. That's not fair to anyone. I find that there are things slipping through the cracks at work and at home. My first priority is my home. My husband and my children need me. We Care will be fine, they will find a new CSD. James and the girls only get one me. I only get one chance to do this right. Before we know it, our girls will be grown and gone. I do not want to look back and regret time that I should have made for them.

My passion for the work that We Care does is just as strong as ever. I will continue to serve as a volunteer Client Advocate. That's what I love! I love sitting across from a client and helping her talk through one of the most important decisions she will ever make. I love being the support to women who have no one else to go to. I love introducing Moms and Dads to their babies for the very first time. I love watching hearts change and turn toward the One who knit them together. I will forever stay connected to We Care! I will continue to raise support for them whenever I can. The Walk For Life will be here before you know it, expect that I will be just as persistent in asking for donations as I always have been ;-)

So, what now? Well, I guess we wait and see. I know that God has a plan and I trust Him. I will continue to work at We Care until the end of May. I hope that we will find my replacement soon and that I can train her to do everything just like me ;-) After that, I am taking the summer off. My girls have spent a lot of time alone the past couple summers. This year, they will be sick of me! I am hoping to take in a baby or two for babysitting in the fall. After that, it's all up to God.

An interesting Godincidence happened a couple days after I put in my resignation--I got the letter that we would start training for the "cuddler" program at Rockford Memorial within the next couple of months. Maybe that's what's next? Maybe nursing? I will not pretend to know what God has in store for me or my family, but I am super excited!

I have grown by leaps and bounds during my time at We Care. I have gone from someone so painfully shy that I was afraid to talk to anyone, to someone who gets up in front of hundreds of people at church or at our annual Circle of Care Banquet and talks into a microphone. My faith has grown tremendously in the 6 years I have served in this ministry. I have made friends who I will love all my life. Friends who have loved me and prayed me through some of the worst days of my life. Friends who have cheered with me and for me during some of the best days of my life.

We did not make this decision lightly. Walking away in May (even though I know I will be back!), is going to hurt. But, I love my family and they deserve all of me. And We Care deserves someone who can give more than I can right now. I feel good about the legacy I am leaving. I have done good things. I have helped push We Care in the right direction. It's time for me to give someone else a turn :-)

I hope that you all will continue to support We Care with me. The work that is being done there is changing lives. It is saving lives on Earth and for Eternity. Every woman who walks through those front doors, is facing a life or death situation. The Client Advocates are on the front lines and they are doing a great job. I have been honored to lead them!

Debbi