My Wonderful, Amazing Job

"Oh Lord my God,

you have done many miracles for us.

Your plans are too numerous to list.

If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,

I would never come to the end of them."

Psalm 40:5

The other day, I had a major grown up moment while talking to my friend and co-worker Stacie. We were discussing how good it feels to get up each morning and go to a job that makes you feel like you are doing your part in society. Not only do you get to go to work each day and work with amazing people, but you get to have a small hand in what is going on in your community.

I feel so thankful each time I think about the fact that I work in a vibrant community with some amazing people who really want to make this a great place to live, work, play, and learn. I think it's so important to give back to the community that has given to you and through my job I learn of many different community events, people in need, and what I can do to help. I have gotten to volunteer for some amazing events like the Junior League's Duck Derby for the Child Advocacy Center, Taste of Stones River to benefit The Hope Clinic, etc.

Above is a picture of some of the wonderful people I work with on College Colors Day. This is one incredible group of folks each with gifts that they use each day to keep the Chamber rolling. From the Business Education Partnership to Economic Development we all work together.
One of my favorite parts about my job is the ribbon cuttings we get to attend. The picture above is Chris and I at the Krispy Kreme in Smyrna(yup, I would say that's a perk!). We get to learn about new businesses all over Rutherford County - Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and Eagleville. We get to celebrate with them as they open their business, move to a new location, or have an anniversary - whatever reason they find to have a ribbon cutting!
The picture above is the ribbon cutting I got to perform for my lifelong friend David Branch who owns and runs CrossFit Murfreesboro. Wow - we are so grown up!!!
Last year I got to teach a breakout session at the Women's Conference about putting your best foot forward. My part was about dressing your best and how to make the most of your wardrobe. I had a GREAT time doing this session and was fortunate to share the stage with my co-worker and membership team mate Kelli Beam and Gina Greenlee from the Career Center. We had such a good time talking to women of all ages, shapes, sizes, etc. who had great questions. What an awesome opportunity!!!

This year I got to help with the "Business At Its Best Celebration" we have each year to review our accomplishments from the year before and discuss our goals for the current year. This pic is Chris and I at the dinner.

In the pic above is Kelli Beam and Kim Kersey. One of the fun things about my job is getting to meet people in all kinds of jobs that volunteer with us as Diplomats spreading the word about the Chamber in their everyday work. Kim and I have become very good friends over the year and I am so thankful I have met her and Kelli both. Don't know what I would do without these ladies(and many of the other ladies I have met)!

Just had to post this picture - it was in the DNJ and Kelli and I both love it! :)

I really hope that you wake up each morning grateful for the job that you have and energized about the day ahead. I know each day isn't easy, and each day brings different trials, but I can honestly say that I love my job and the different opportunities it brings. I look back on all the years I worked(started at 14 at good ol' Messick Homecare and never stopped) and everything I have learned and am thankful for all the people who taught me how to work - whether they trusted me with their children for one hour or one week, handed me their paperwork to file, or needed me to sale a tent I had never used before, etc. I have always had great people around me and I truly believe that has made all the difference!

Colossians 3:23

" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men."