It was April 9, 2008. I had just turned 22, I was 2 weeks from graduating college, my brother was getting married in a few months, I didn’t have a place to live nearby, I was driving a bitchin 1991 Honda Prelude, and I was parked out in front of Rockharbor Church. My palms were really sweaty, and I sat there a few minutes before I had to go inside trying to process the amount of change that was happening all at once. I was sad at the thought that the chapter of my life titled “College” was closing. And with the turning of that page I knew friendships would change, locations would shift, and comfort would retreat back to its hiding place. I was mourning the impending changes. When the clock turned 9, I opened my door, took a deep breath, and walked into a new chapter of my life.

It was only a matter of time before I realized that despite the discomfort of it, change is an absolutely necessary part of life. If I had never walked through those doors, I would have never seen the things I saw or experienced the things that to this day remind me that God exists and cares about me. Sure I could have gotten another job somewhere else, but had I done that I wouldn’t have met the people that I now call family. Or never refined my trade to what it is now. I would have missed out on so much.

The person I am now is dramatically different than the person who walked in those doors almost 4 years ago.

On Jan, 2 2012 a new chapter will begin and the old one will close. I’ve officially taken a job at GOOD as a designer. Part of me is really scared, sensing the all too familiar feeling of comfort quickly retreating to its hiding place. I’m sad to be leaving people who helped me grow up, who taught me some really good things, and have become my family. I’m sad to be leaving a job that I absolutely love, working with stupidly talented people who make me laugh, inspire creativity, and together have been a part of something really special.

So, why leave all this?

I think what it really comes down to is that if fear would have won back in April 2008, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become the person I am today. I was terrified back then and am terrified now, but now I know that change has the potential to bring growth. And every major change I’ve had in my life has shaped and developed me for the better. I’m not about to let fear or discomfort rob me from those experiences.

I’m excited for what’s ahead–to be in a new city, to work at a really great place, and to see what new lessons I’ll begin to learn. I’m excited to make new friends, and add to my ever expanding family made up of the best people on the planet. I’m excited for time to coax comfort back out of its hiding place. I’m excited to begin a new chapter and to close the one that started almost 4 years ago. Most of all I’m excited to see who I’ll become this next go around.

So, here’s to change.