Moved By Change

Change is difficult for me. :)
And I state the previous with fervent emphasis.
Change has always been difficult for me. :)

I remember that incredibly humiliating incident long ago in the public library. I know the story has been increasingly dramatised over the years, but the truth is: my heart was broken that day.

I considered the library my second home; it was the palace filled with so many dreams and adventures in which Holly and I could always partake. The building, the layout, the memories seemed the embossment of my childhood. The library bore the signature of my soul, the fingerprint of my future.

I know this may sound sentimental. But I am still horrified by what happened that sad day long ago. I walked into the public library situated so beautifully downtown and was shocked to find that -

They remodeled my precious library.
They CHANGED my alcazar of adventures.
They tore down the fortress of my memories and marred the floor that knew my footprints personally.
It was horrendous.
And I ... sorta flipped out when I saw what they had done. There were a few tears, a few wails here and there ... it was just a very small altercation in the shattered castle of all my hopes.

Family members SERIOUSLY dramatize the entire event, and I know I will never live it down - BUT, at least I have learned a thing or two since then. :)
(1) It is best to bear hardship with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4).
(2) You can not stop things from changing.

Now, I have learned to have better responses toward change over the years, but the subject itself still effects me deeply.
I am NOT a fan, I must say. :)

Today, I saw change. And, although they aren't as concerned as I am, my coworkers were surprised at the change as well.
:)
I have to say that this change cuts deep.

For the past year, or so, I have been cultivating a relationship with this one family of customers. They have 3 adorable children, and have been the most polite, grown up, engaging children you have ever met. Ryan is the oldest. Almost 14 years old and so precious. He has always spoken in complete sentences, tucks his shirt in, loves math, and saves diligently in the account we set up for him.

But today he came in a completely different boy! He was wearing a "Metallica" shirt, his jeans were ripped, and his phone has a band bangle on it. His shirt was not tucked in, he totally covered his nice leather wallet in duct tape, his ears are glued to his new IPOD, and he neglected to say "Good afternoon" when he came into the branch. Instead, he responded, "Sup" to my very proper and familiar, "Hello, Ryan!"

Plus, instead of learning about sea creatures, or reading up on Egypt this weekend - he is going to a movie. With his girlfriend.
Plus #2, he CASHED a check today. No deposit.

What happened to my sweet saver Ryan?
And who is this girl?!
He was still nice, friendly, and he chatted with me. He is STILL my little friend. But he was texting while I cashed his check. And he wrinkled his receipt.

That was a few hours ago.
I still haven't gotten over it.

Ryan may still be sweet and fun (?), but I know that things will not again be the same.
I know THAT because, even though I have learned to bear things a bit more calmly, my relationship with the library was NEVER restored.

Lord, in all these things, I praise Your name. Because I know You are faithful; You NEVER change.

Malachi 3:6 ~ "For I am the Lord, I do not change."
:)

Long story short. Today was a completely marvelous day. It was beautiful, it was filled with excitement, and it caused my faith in the Lord to grow.
:)

A Whirlwind Of Updates

This has to be one of the most delicious mornings of my life so far. :)

So much drama! So much excitement! So much comedy!
I know ... :)

I was awakened with an unexpected start. My whole being was in revolt against the rapid transition I had undertaken. The transition from the realm of dreams into the real world of beautiful nightmares. "Is it really time to greet the day?" How could my entire body deny that truth?

Thankfully, to my delight Dad assured my that I could get back to sleep. He had awakened me at 5 AM just to see if I needed to export school homework off his computer for my Spanish class. There had been a break-in at Venture, and Dad needed to take his personal computer to work, as about 10 work computers had been lifted by sneaking shadows in the night.

I was more than pleased to comply, retrieve my homework, kiss him goodbye, and return to my adventuresome dreams.

The real morning DID come all too soon however.

:)

But it is a beautiful day.

I opened the bank, and was completely surprised with the re-advent of frigid weather. What happened to the 70 Degree mornings and the sunshine?!

This morning, the entire bank staff is rejuvenated. We have started a little in-branch competition to see which of 2 teams will get the most consumer loan applications. Mark, Karan and I have solemnly determined to win. :) Yesterday, I succeeded in getting my weekly checking account for ANOTHER competition and, after basking in the glory of a $49,000 opening deposit, I can turn my attention to HELOCS.

Loans, after all have never been my strength because I don't personally believe that they are a good idea. However, so many people don't mind the thought of borrowing money, and we have a really good rate. I'll keep my eyes open!

This week has just been filled with drama:

For starters! Holly, Renee, Caleb and I had a party in her closet during a tornado this Tuesday. No worries, we were all set to be buried for days. We had Orbit Gum, numerous telephones, the Mother Ship on the line, water, shoes, couch cushions, and delighted spirits. :) Thankfully, Michael, Tim, Marcus, Daddy, Stephen, Mr. Fasolino, Caleb, and all the other church men made it home safely. :)

I had to snap a couple pictures of our experience. :)

The Lord was gracious in allowing us all to be safe. He is a marvelous God!

Then, besides the inclement weather:

Chase was practising his Darth Vader breathing technique over the loudspeaker.

Mark tried to feed me ice that was 3 years old and dangerously contaminated.

Everyone is talking about Valentines Day.

Elizabeth is hilarious. :)

Melody is the most fantastic supervisor in the history of existence,

and Karan is the most beloved PB you have ever seen.

We just had a customer who was 96 years old come to visit her - and he was driving.

Incredible.

Not to mention, Mark opened a business account for this amazing 12 year old youngster. I made the mistake of offering him a Dum-Dum, just like I do to all the kids. Little did I know, he is starting his own business, and was less than interested in my offer of friendship and sugar.

I bet he is a millionaire before he is 30. :)

The day that the Lord has given is beautifully filled with promise.

Father, thank You for all of the little circumstances you place in my life - the comical ones and the serious ones. By all of the adventures, You show me that You are God. Please, allow my life to bring glory to You today.

I pray these things to You Father, in the name of Jesus, by your Holy Spirit.

Amen.