Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Letting Go

Have you ever had to let something go, but hate to watch it leave? That's how I feel about my volunteer role at church. With my pregnancy at it's mid-point, my departure from the toddler room is creeping up on me. I know I have to go, but I hate to leave. 2 weeks ago, the director gave me a day off because someone was willing to cover my room. I was happy and sad all wrapped up into one. Irrational thought-Is she trying to get rid of me? Rational thought-I was the one that said I needed to step down for a while, she's just trying to be helpful until a replacement is found. ffeeww.....

I know I need the break, especially lifting babies on to changing tables, and carrying sad babies around, but I still feel sad/guilty/abandoning/quiting/ crazy-probably pregnancy emotions. I know a few ladies that stepped down from their volunteer roles. I wonder if they felt the same way.

You really get honored as a volunteer leader as well. I think I will miss that the most. I'm grateful for the 2 years I have had the privilege to serve as a leader in the children's ministry.

Now I need someone to tell me that it's okay that I'm taking a break. Please. Thanks.

5 comments:

Lisa said...

John Bishop said the same thing to us when we had Arden. I felt the same way at first and then I realized he made it so easy for me. I needed the time with her but would have been too stubborn to step down myself. Then I would have been so stressed out.

When Thomas arrived it was much easier for me to evaluate my volunteer roles and step out knowing that I would be able to jump right where I left off when I was ready.

Take the time to enjoy your family. They are your number one ministry. You'll be back as soon as your ready and trust me there are always needs at the church. Plus the new campus will be opening so there will be plenty of opportunties.

Marie Marsicano said...

Colly,

It is fine to take a break - all leaders need to do it. You shouldn't feel bad - the only time I have seen you take off was for your wedding and honeymoon!!!

You had a great run and I am sure all of your babies and their parents will miss you - but I also know you will be keeping up with them.

Reeves

Because of Love said...

It's ok!
It's ok to take a break.
It's ok to feel that way!

I have been there and felt those same feelings. It is hard sometimes to let things go. Josh and I have had this discussion a lot about what I am going to do in a few months. I have the fear of "being replaced". But I know that to serve to the best of my ability, I sometimes need a break so that I am at my best. Know that everyone wants you to do the best for you and your family.

dawn said...

oh colleen, it is so okay that you are taking a break. you deserve it and need it! please don't feel guilty! i understand your feelings...i did the exact same thing when i was pregnant last year with jaelyn. i was about 1/2 way through my pregnancy when i stepped down from my ekidz volunteer coordinator position at butler. it was such a hard decision for me to make. and it was hard to go through with it. but i will tell you that it was the best decision for me. my role had a lot of during the week work and long sundays. i loved it but God really showed me that i needed to pour my ministry efforts into my family during this season. i was able to take care of myself better, enjoy my older kids and support my husband in his high capacity role. i have been sitting on the "sidelines" at elevation since then (doing some volunteer work with safe journey). jaelyn is a year old and i have just begun to pray about where He may want to use me at elevation again. i have enjoyed the break although i have missed volunteering a lot. but it has been good for me and my family! i have been able to see my ministry in a different light!

hope that is an encouragement to you! i can't believe you are already 20 weeks!! you look great!!! are you or did you find out the sex of the baby??

blessings to you! and rest assured in the decision you are making - God will keep you and sustain you during this time!!!!!

you are still a die hard elevator!!!

Colleen Gebhardt said...

Hi Col!

My darn computer won't let me comment on blogs....or transfer from one page to another, I think it is on it's dying leg.......

Anyway, I wanted to leave you a comment to tell you that IT'S OKAY for you to step down. Just because you are stepping down for now doesn't mean that eventually you might not pick something up later in your journey! You have taken on a lot with preschool, and adjusting to life as a married woman, and being pregnant, etc. Take comfort in knowing that you have given so much of yourself, and have been rewarded and honored for good reason. God will not cease to take favor upon you just because you needed a break! You are a wonderful woman of faith, and now is your time to take hold of the blessings He has given you!!

So, there you have it, my comment, that I can't post for the world to see b/c of my lovely computer.......do I have to put $1 in the ugly jar because I don't like my computer today? I did still call it lovely, hahahaha!


I love you and hope you have a great week!
Heath