He places his hands on my shoulders. In heels, we’re almost eye to eye. His expression is gentle and sympathetic.
“Your mother means well, Letty. She just doesn’t know how to express it.”
Words I’ve heard my entire life. “If you say so. It’s just…I was so excited about today, and now I just don’t care.”
He sighs. “You look beautiful, honey, and today is the first day of the rest of your life. I want you to enjoy it. Take a moment and think of all the good that can come from this job, all the ways you can use your knowledge to help people in need. Focus on that, not your outfit. Okay?”
I nod. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate the pep talk.”
He winks. “Now that we’re both working stiffs, maybe we can meet up for lunch now and then? Just you and me.”
Just like that, all of my anxiety vanishes, and the tension flees from my spine and shoulders.
“I would love that, Daddy. Have a good day at the office.”
I peck his cheek, grab my purse and work bag, and leave before my mom reminds me that she hates it when I wear my hair down.
I slide into the driver’s seat of my red Camry and drive down the long driveway to freedom.
By the time I walk into the church to meet with Pastor Braden, I feel much better, how I should feel on my first day of work.
“Letty! Welcome to Destiny of Life Church as an official employee.”
I laugh at his boisterous greeting. “Thank you for having me, Pastor. And thank you for offering me the job.”
“No thanks necessary.” He grins and motions for me to follow him to the left of the pews and down a well-lit hall lined with doors on both sides.
“I had no idea you were pursuing a degree in finance in addition to Theology, or I’d have recruited you months ago.”
His shoulders slump as he pushes open a door on the right.
“This is your office.”
I gasp. “I get my own office? Surely that’s for a more senior employee?”
“My dear, you are the treasurer, which, around here, means you are in charge of all things finance-related. You are the most senior member in your department if that makes you feel better.”
It does, actually. “Thank you. I’m eager to get started.”
“Marjorie will come in soon with your new employee paperwork. I trust you know how to fill out forms for taxes and such?”
“I do. I have my I.D. as well.”
“Perfect. While you wait for Marjorie, feel free to settle in and arrange things to your liking. You and I will spend the afternoon going over my needs and expectations for the job.”
It all sounds so exciting, and I’m so eager that I move my desk toward the window so I can look out at the church gardens. Then, I rearrange my desk so that everything I need is in arm’s reach before I turn my attention to my desktop computer.
There’s payroll software and other software for donations and fundraisers. I take my time and do tutorials for each program, and by the time Marjorie arrives, I’m thrilled to get to work.
This is the start of everything, a new path.
A whole new future that allows me to serve the community as well as the Lord.
My mother’s attitude be damned.