Those Special People

Today was my first “official” day at my new job, but I've been preparing for this day for weeks. Starting a new job is emotionally exhausting!! Everything is new. People are new. Procedures are new. Roles are new. I find at the end of the day I am looking for a safe place to land. A place that allows me to relax and be just me. Not the me that is working so hard to make a good impression. Just me.

Earlier this week I came across a daily reading that got me thinking about those special people in my life that are vital to my survival.

            “Today I recognize that there are people in my life through whom God works, whose tenderness of heart and love of life and humanity make them part of a fleet of divine messengers. They are people who, in some mysterious way, are there when my need is greatest and help me to save my own life and the lives of those I love. I understand that this is a gift that I repay by giving it to someone else.”

-Tian Dayton

It’s not that there is just one special person, but a “fleet” of unique souls who minister to me. People who I am blessed to have in my life journey.

Last week I had a particularly crazy, work-filled, day. I was feeling emotionally spent. However, I ended the craziness by gathering with my fellow writing friends. It was a little slice of heaven. Walking into Common Grounds to see these (equally exhausted) familiar faces, washed away the stresses of the day. It's amazing to me that a group of people that I have only known for a few short months could create such a safe place for me. A safe place for me to be me. The me that is a facilitator Nazi, but is openly loved for this crazy quality. The me that is still quite insecure and vulnerable as a writer. I left feeling affirmed, empowered and inspired. Those special people.

Recently I called a teacher friend on my way home from work. Again, emotionally exhausted!!! Our conversation was light and cheerful, mixed with affirmations and laughter. She was my safe place to let down my guard and reflect honestly on the obstacles in my day. At the end of our chat I was energized and ready to move on to the responsibilities of the evening. That special person.

Saturday, Mike and I were eating breakfast on our balcony. (Side note: beautifying our balcony was the best money we spent all summer) As we chatted, I began to cry. You ask – why? I’m sure, by now, you can guess. Emotional exhaustion. Mike is my number one cheerleader. It doesn’t matter that he has never been “coached” by me, or that I have never trained him on the latest literacy research. He encouraged me and affirmed me, reminding me that I was up for this new challenge. He was my safe place to be brutally honest about the lurking questions about this big new leap I’ve taken. That special man.

… the list could go on and on.

Typically, I would stop with – I’m so lucky to have special people in my life. But, the very last sentence of the reading has stuck with me. “I understand that this is a gift that I repay by giving it to someone else.” The reality is, I’m someone’s special person too! Some days I affirm, I encourage, I bring joy, I bring laughter. This role is equally as valuable as the one that these special people play in my life.

Thank you for being my special people!!