Key Connections

One thing I am beginning to realize about myself is how important connections are to me and how difficult it is for me to let go of them.  And, today, 1/25/2015, was no exception.  On this 25th day of 2015, the Annual Meeting for Old First Reformed UCC occurred.  And, as I have for MANY of the past 10+ years, I delivered the Financial Report to the Congregation (as per my role as the Treasurer) and I also presented the 2015 Budget for approval.  Why is this significant, you ask?  Because these were the last times I will be doing this.  And I also realized that my key-ring tells a lot about the connections I have.  If you looked at my key-ring, this time last year, you would find keys to my home, my car, the Oaklyn Snack Stand, the Nursing School, the Penn Band, and Old First.  Basically, family, community, working at Penn, the Band, and Church.  All things that mean a lot to me.  And, since last year, my work keys have changed (and are fewer) and, as of today, my church keys are gone.  And I took them off my ring after my budget presentation and, after the meeting was over, I handed them over to my successor.  And I looked at my key-ring and it is a LOT less than it was this time last year.  Change is hard for me, but change is inevitable.  And I look at my key-ring now and I still see family, community, Penn, and the Band.  And I will have to cherish (previous day's post, I know) those connections, while establishing what my new, keyless, connections will be at OFR in the future.