Peace Talks Successful & A New Life Begins

As of late, the tension between my boss and me has been at an all-time high. Weeks ago I boldly notified him of my desire to no longer be his manager, trusting 100% in God's ability to provide for me and my own diligence to keep myself afloat. While there have been some very dark days during this journey, last Friday my boss and I finalized our current agreement. I equate it with other peace talks in the world - Israel and Palestine immediately come to mind. For now there is a cease-fire, but with my knowledge of history, I expect a shot to be fired and war to begin anew. Then again, God may liberate me from my current job prior to any of that or both of us will learn to accept each other as we are. There's always hope!! Regardless, I am happy with the new agreement, which, in all honesty, is a bit strange for me.

And so, I'm learning not only a lot about humility, but I'm also learning about happiness. I confess I've never really been happy, my spirit always laden with some sadness or unresolved grief. I still have my moods, but God is miraculously healing me from my youth by way of reconciliation and forgiveness. Those are big words, weighted with meaning, but I can think of no better way to express my inner process.

I truly feel like I've begun a new life even as I show up to the same job each day. I have at least 10 extra hours a week and entire evenings for my own use. Because of the new agreement, I've been able to commit more fully to the cantoring ministry at church, and I'm active in this year's RCIA class. (Right of Christian Initiation for Adults. It's a Catholic thing.) Additionally, unfinished business from my past is being resolved (including de-cluttering my house!!), which contributes to the reconciliation and the feeling of a new life. I know God is leading me somewhere (another reason I'm sticking out this new job agreement), and with each day I become more excited about this adventure.

I'm sure a lot of this sounds cryptic, but until more details manifest, it will have to do. Another reason this is called The Butterfly Report. Changes are happening deep within, at the root, where it matters, and it may be Spring before bright colors are shown to the world. Life is a metaphor for those of us who love poetry and literature!! And thank God for poetry and literature!!

Until next time...

mg

An Explanation

So as to not confuse my new blogging friends, I wish to explain why I have entitled my blog "The Butterfly Report". It is not because I love butterflies (although I do enjoy them), but rather because they are a symbol of transformation. (So please don't send me butterfly paraphernalia or trinkets!!) I am, once again, in the midst of another grand transformation so it seems fitting. However, I realized today that I am always in transformation, always reinventing myself while retaining myself. I have periods of hibernation and periods of flying - just like the process of a caterpillar to a butterfly. And, I can safely say this is Transformation #3.

I look forward to sharing events of my process and journey with you, but I also look forward to your feedback. Welcome to my blog and stay tuned for the next part of the story!!

Until next time,
mg

What's Up!!!

Greetings from Winston-Salem, NC! The big news here is that Tom, Su and the kids visited last week from DC, Brian just started school and flew to Montreal, Janine and the baby are happy and healthy, and I'm looking for a new job. Funny how I list my big thing last. Ha! Regardless, all of this is big news.

I submitted my resume for a grant writing position, and I hope to hear soon. Work has been troublesome since I was honest about my looking for something else with my boss, but I'm learning and growing through it. Now to turn my attention to my writing regardless of my circumstance. Prayers in this area are always welcome.

Janine and I are enjoying a nice time together today, having just visited the town's book fair and getting me set up on a blog. Pizza's ready!!

Until next time,
mg