“Oh, to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” (John O’Donohue)
We never suspected that Lloyd would be working fulltime for the next six months as interim Chief Administrative Officer for a bi-national organization with offices located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Southern Ontario. We had no clue. He was not looking for or wanting another job. But the invitation came his way, and together, we said yes.
So here we are, surprised and abit shell-shocked, looking this organization in the face.
Our lives have been turned upside down as we gradually learn what it means to still tend the life and relationships we have been establishing in northern Michigan for the past few years, while Lloyd works remotely from home over long weekends and commutes to an office location several days per week. I’ve been traveling back and forth with him since much of my work is portable, and regardless of the inconvenience it’s a great opportunity to spend more time with some of our kids and grandkids.
The organization is struggling with significant structural and financial issues as well as its identity, so strong leadership is required and the work is not easy. It invites a great deal of patience, active listening, engagement of others in the change process and everything that Lloyd’s mission-oriented brain has to offer as well as whatever contributions I can make as a thought partner and supportive presence. Our conversations over coffee, meals, wine and travel have been and will be, intense, strategic, and imaginative, as next necessary steps for this organization emerge.
This unexpected endeavor is taking both of us well out of our comfort zones. The new routines, especially all the back and forth travel, are disruptive to the quiet life in the woods we’ve been enjoying over the past few years. The task at hand is intimidating, and we are unsure what results if any, our contributions will bring. Even so, we both feel confident, hopeful, motivated and grateful for this opportunity. Six months is hardly enough time to address all the core issues that need to be addressed, but maybe (or maybe not) we can help create the beginnings of an infrastructure that will help this organization find its way into the future.
We were looking forward to a leisurely summer filled with visitors, and a probable fall trip to British Columbia to see one of our sons and his family who recently moved there. But now that Lloyd’s availability is compromised, our expectations have shifted. We’re still planning to host our summer visitors, but will need to work a lot harder behind the scenes to make it happen. I will likely do some solo hosting as well. We’ve decided to postpone our fall trip to BC because the logistics and contours of such a trip aren’t compatible with new job responsibilities and life routines. We feel sad about this decision, but it doesn’t mean that our family values have changed. Hopefully we’ll make our way there sometime in 2023!
Why did we say yes? Wouldn’t it have been far easier to say no?
We said yes because we both felt compelled to say yes. We both knew on a deep level beyond words and understanding, that this job for Lloyd was the right thing for us to embrace at this particular moment in time. It made perfect sense to say yes. And now, whether we like it or not, we can’t get out of it, so we might as well get into it and have some fun in the process.
We wonder how the rest of this calendar year will unfold. And we keep reminding ourselves to trust that we are part of something far larger than ourselves, that all we need to do is play our part.
It sounds like this season is an appointed one! Thank you for responding and playing your part – and for inviting me to walk alongside you through prayer, conversations, and tasty lunches. : )
Thank you, Jared for your kind words and for walking this journey with us. We are very thankful for your presence and prayers. Peace be with you.
Thanks for sharing g this interesting post. Compelled. Yes, when something compels, we need to step through that door. Something unexpected and profound awaits.
Yup! For sure. That compelled prompted sensation is always something to pay attention to, never to be ignored. I know you understand, love you, Amy!
I have no doubt that these last few years of refreshment in your quiet home in the woods was preparing you for “such a time as this.” You both are fully equipped for what you’ve been asked to do, even if you feel weak or unqualified. As Paul said “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” I love both of your hearts and your willingness to give to others.💕
Thank you, Becky. You have such a beautiful heart!
Blessings on you, Lloyd, as you take on this important Interim CAO role for the next few months, that you may have wisdom and focus and stamina, and that the organization will be better prepared to move forward because of your efforts.
Craig
Thank you, Craig, for your words of encouragement and blessing.