Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight… U2 “Walk On”
I am tired.
Tired of being angry at those who will never know how much they have hurt me.
Tired of being bitter at an institution that will never change
Tired of waiting for answers that will never come.
I am tired. It’s time to walk on…
I once gave a talk about life…I entitled it “What should I pack for the journey?” That’s the question I must ask today…
And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring…
And love is not the easy thing…
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can’t leave behind
I don’t know where I am walking to…I don’t know who will walk with me…I only know I need to keep walking…keep walking…Because that’s the only way to keep me from looking back. The only way to keep anger and bitterness from catching up to me and erode my soul…
You’re packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
Today marked the last day of work for the retiring Executive Director of our organization. I have had the privilege of ’shadowing’ her for the last 2 weeks, trying to learn everything about the job as her successor. She is one of the most kind hearted, good natured, capable and competent person I have ever met. I only regretted not having the opportunity to meet her sooner.
Anyways, the day was busy as she tried to wrap everything up before she goes, and leaving me with final instructions. As the clock winded down, the time finally came for her to leave. 10 years on the job, and it came down to the final moment. She simply handed her keys back, gave everyone a hug and some kind words and walked out with a glorious smile on her face. Talking to her these past couple of weeks, she had often talked about how much she is looking forward to the next chapter of her life. She wants to write, travel, volunteer and take on new challenges. What an admirable attitude!
As I watched her walked out with the late afternoon Sun on her face, I realized this is how life works. It doesn’t matter how long you have been at one place: 5 years, 10 years, 20 years; there always come that moment when it’s time to walk on…
After I walked her out, I went back to my desk and wept…I thought back to the day when I walked away after 17 years. As I did, all the anger and bitterness came flooding back like a tidal wave…and then I thought about our retiring Executive Director and her example. And I realize that’s what I have to do. Just walk on. Keeping walking. Don’t look back. Look! the afternoon Sun is beginning to set. It felt like it’s been forever since the last time I saw the Sun. It’s almost 5, which means I will see my little girl soon as I pick her up from school. I can’t wait.
I’ve got to go. I have more important things waiting for me to do…
