Farewells Are Rarely Easy

Mary Paxton

Farewells are rarely easy.

My journey here at CHHSM, as a staff member, began with much anticipation and expectation. I was excited to work with our member agencies as we continued learning how to become a collective voice, as we moved towards establishing key partnerships that allow us to be better stewards of resources, as we dug deeper into the meaning of serving the “least of these.”

The last 12 months of my life have been full of bittersweet transitions — some expected while others, like this one, have come unexpectedly. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven …”

I don’t think its coincidental that my career path has taken me across many ecumenical organizations. My career — it is one of my ministries. My heart is aligned with “creating a just, caring and compassionate world.” I have enjoyed witnessing the work of our member agencies. I have enjoyed continuing my work with the wider church.

Yet, it was my work here at CHHSM and my Nollau experience that reminded me of how much I missed being at the ground level in the work of health and human services. When the opportunity at New Directions was presented, it was a difficult decision but one that I knew was aligned with my calling and purpose.

I have been in the building of 700 Prospect for four years. There are many memories, lessons and friendships that I will carry with me. I am very grateful for the new home that I found at CHHSM. I never anticipated that this journey would end in such a short timeframe. I will miss this team! I wish CHHSM, its member agencies and its partners all the best.

Anyone who truly knows me understands that I value my covenantal relationship with God. At my Nollau consecration, I read Isaiah 6:8, “Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?”

In the footsteps of Isaiah I also respond, “Here I am Lord, Send Me.”