An "Eagles" Blog Re-Post......because they deserve it :)

I've been listening to them since I was 10 years old.  Even at a young age, I appreciated amazing music.  It was my escape.  I lived for music then, as I still do today.  That's why I enjoy singing, (not just at a Karaoke bar!), but at my speaking engagements.

A couple years ago, I made a bucket list (see my Bucket List Blog).  God willing, I will check them off before I'm gone.  Coming in at #11 was seeing the "Eagles" live in concert.   At my age, you'd have thought I'd been to one of their concerts by now, but it's just never worked out.  So, when I found out they were coming to Nashville, I was determined to be there.  I absolutely love living in Tennessee.  The greatest concerts play here every week!  Well, nothing was going to stop me from attending this concert.  Although, it almost did, fate wouldn't have it.

With my hectic schedule over the past several months, it had slipped my mind to buy tickets.  When I realized this oversight, I immediately began my exhaustive search online to find them.  No luck, it was sold out.  Although that was disappointing, I was determined.  I mean, have you  met me?!

As a single woman, if there's a movie I want to see, I go.  If there's a restaurant I want to try, I go.  If there's a museum I want to tour, I go.  A vacation I want to take, I take it. I like hanging out with me, so I have no issue going somewhere by myself.  However, I admit, that a concert is the one event I'd never done alone.  But, this was the Eagles!  And there's a first time for everything.

As I got myself ready, my oldest daughter, Teryn, asked where I was going.  I answered, "To the Eagles concert."  She said, "Oh, good, you finally got your ticket?!"  Nope.

When I explained to her that I was determined to be at that concert, she wasn't surprised.  She knows me well:).  She told me to have a great time and be careful.  I was on my way.

Since I was already committed to a 7pm radio interview, I knew I'd have an hour before the music started at 8.  I had it all worked out in my head.  First, find a parking space downtown and do the interview in my car.  Secondly, walk safely to the Bridgestone.  Thirdly, visit the ticket counter for a great seat!  Then, just sit back, sing my heart out and enjoy.

My interview was over at 7:55.  I had 5 minutes.  Parking paid, $25.00, I began the two block walk to the arena.  There were people walking alongside me, with that same grin on their face!  Conversations took place all around.  It was like we were all old friends.  You could sense the anticipation and excitement in the cold, crisp air of Downtown Nashville.  It was the Eagles for gosh sakes!  As I struck up a conversation with a group of friends who'd arrived together, a guy in the group said to me, "Let me get this straight.  You came to Downtown Nashville to see a sold out Eagles concert, you don't have a ticket and you're alone?"  Yup.  That is correct.  "Well, you've got $%#@!"  So, I've been told.

As we waved good-bye and the group wished me luck, I made my way to the ticket counter.  The nice lady said, "Can I help you?"  I told her I needed a ticket and wasn't leaving without one.  She asked, "Are you alone?"  Yes.  "You came here by yourself?"  Yes!  (Jeez, people!).  "Well, that takes a lot of guts, so I'm going to do my best to find you a great seat!"  And, that, she did.  So, $120 bucks later, I had a great seat.  As I made my way to the arena, I ran into some great friends!  Here's a picture with Scott, who was there with his fiance', Sara and their friends.  When he saw me, he showed me a text he'd just received from my daughter, Teryn, who knew he'd be there.  It said, "Hey, if you see some crazy woman trying to get a ticket, it's my Mom!"  That was pretty funny.

My heart was racing because I was so excited.  I did it!  I was here!  I'm not going to lie, I felt a bit emotional!  I had a feeling I would most likely cry, or at the least, tear up when I saw Don, Glenn, Joe, Tim, and the rest of the guys.  (No judging, please!).  My seat was so close, I could almost smell their cologne.  It was absolutely one of the best nights of my life!  (I know I need to get out more!).  I met new friends (who were also shocked I came alone), who graciously included me in their experience, and were great dancing and singing partners.  The sweet ladies beside me thought I was way too young to even know who the Eagles were, let alone have every song memorized.  I was flattered.

It was a night I'll never forget!  Not only did I hear and see one of my favorite bands of all time, I proved to myself once again that "in the waiting", single people shouldn't cease to live their lives just because they are in a season of "partner-less"!  I refuse to sit by and watch life pass me by, just because I'm not someone's other half at the moment.

No matter what stage of life you're in, don't waste it by being a spectator.  I know many singles and even couples who don't have as much fun doing life together, as I do by myself.  Get off the couch, go live!  There's so much to do and experience.  Enjoy this short life you've been given while you can!  What a waste it would be to do nothing with it.

I look forward to my next adventure.  And, although, I'm not against taking a date with me places, having one or not having one is not going to determine whether I go or not.  I want to always strive to be that person who says, "I'm glad I did", not, "I wish I had".  Do the things that bring you joy.

What's next?  "Chicago?", "Elton John", "Paul McCartney", "Billy Joel".  Hey, I'm up for it:)

(FYI:  I originally posted this in 2013, but being I'm on my way tonight to see them again, I thought it was worth a re-post.  Although, some things are different.  Glenn won't be there and is no longer with us (which sucks!), his magic and music will live on through his son, whose joined the band.  And, another change?  This time, I won't be going alone. :)

Bittersweet Good-Byes

A little over a year ago, I began to sense a change was coming.  I wasn't exactly sure what that change was, only knew it was on the way.  Throughout my twenty year career in the non-profit world, God has always prompted this familiar stirring in my heart and spirit long before actual change would take place.  He knows me well enough to know He has to take time with me and prepare my heart for what's ahead.

I could pretend I'm one of those obedient Christians who, when sensing God's leading in a new direction, immediately takes action, but I would be lying.  The truth is, I fight God when I feel something's on the horizon which makes me uncomfortable, nervous or scared.  I mean, seriously, who the heck really likes change?  I'll argue and do my best to reason with Him.  Sometimes, I even have the nerve to tell Him He doesn't know what He's doing.  He continued to make things perfectly clear through other people and situations that happened throughout the year.  No, He wasn't changing His mind, but He was asking me to.

I knew all along what was coming, but preferred to stay in denial.  Once I'd finally figured out the change had to do with my future as the CEO of the Pregnancy Centers of Middle Tennessee, it was easier that way.  And, I'm not going to lie, it broke my heart. There is no way to measure the tears I've cried over this. I didn't want to say good-bye to the ministry and staff I'd grown to love so much.  As the leader of this amazing organization for the past seven years, I've grown very comfortable in my role.  We've created a "well oiled" machine that runs very smoothly.  Our team works so well together, each exceeding in their respective positions.  The center is thriving in every way possible.  Why now??

When I began my career with the PCofMT seven years ago, we were highly in debt and honestly, I didn't know how I was going to make payroll, let alone pay our buildings' mortgage and utility bills.  I knew I'd have to hit the ground running or we'd go deeper and deeper in debt.  With God's favor and also that of a great team, we worked diligently to make sure no client went without having their needs met and no bill went unpaid.  We worked tirelessly to dig ourselves out of a hole.   And, we succeeded.

But, when God says, "Go", you can ask questions, plead and procrastinate all you want, it changes nothing.  I had many sleepless nights struggling with this decision.  But, everywhere I turned, His answer was continually crystal clear, "Your season here has ended."  I finally reconciled with the fact if I continued to hold on to something out of the fear of the unknown, God couldn't take me where I was meant to go next. 

So, right before Christmas, I finally gave in.  I knew what I had to do and handed in my letter of resignation.  The Board was shocked.  They asked many questions, "Do you have another job offer?"  No. I haven't even started looking.  "What are you going to do?"  I don't know.  "Why?"  Because God has showed me it's time to leave.  I'm sure to a degree, they thought I was crazy!  At first, they didn't accept my resignation and asked me to take the holidays to pray more about it and give them a final decision after the new year.  Out of respect for them, I agreed.  I took this time and continued to pray, I sought counsel from my family and some close friends.  My decision was final.  My next step was telling my staff I was leaving.  I knew it would be gut wrenching.  It was.  But, they've showed me incredible grace and love throughout these past few months and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Some family and friends thought I'd lost my mind.  A couple of loving friends not only felt the need to remind me I didn't have another job, but since I'm single I don't have a husband, who provides a second income and a health insurance plan either (for the record, I already knew each one of these facts!:). Another well meaning friend said, "Why not start looking and leave when you have another job offer?"  I told her, "Where's the faith in that?"

In my seven year tenure with the center, we've opened a second location, added new programs, remodeled our facility, increased our donor base by 110% and are now a debt free organization.  I'm very proud of these accomplishments.  I met every single goal I set from the moment I stepped foot inside this office.  I'm satisfied to be leaving the center much better than how I found it.  My successor inherits a healthy organization with an incredibly competent, trained staff, a supportive board and zero debt.  She will have no excuses to take this ministry even farther and do more than I ever did.  With hard work and a never give up attitude, I am confident she can take the center to the next level.

I don't know what's next for me.  As I said, I'm not leaving for another job, but I know, without a doubt in my mind, this is God's Will for my life.  My time with this center has come to an end.  I will miss the many donors and friends I've met along the way and I will especially miss my wonderful staff and the comradery we share, but I'm forever thankful our friendships will last a lifetime.

Am I scared?  Of course I am!  I'm human.  But, I also feel a huge sense of relief and peace.  I must walk in obedience and trust Him.  I serve a God who knows my needs and has my back.  I'm confident He won't let me down.

Without hesitation and with conviction, I can also say I'm excited for what's ahead!  I'm more than ready for my next journey.  I will take all the relationships, credibility and knowledge from the past twenty years of non-profit experience into the new adventures that await me.  And, there's something pretty darn cool and mysterious about that!

During one of those many mornings I found myself wrestling with God, someone posted this picture on social media.  It wrecked me.  After I picked my sobbing self off the floor, I began to laugh.  I was elated, excited and hopeful about my future.  It was my last "sign", if you will.  I knew what I had to do, took out my laptop and started writing my "Dear Board" letter.  It was a surreal experience.  This picture sums up the past year of my life, as I've argued with God about this new season in my life. But, sometimes we must just take a step of faith, believe and trust.

And, I'm trusting Him now more than ever.