Thirty five years ago today - December 1, 1986 - I started my dream job at The Upper Room. And, thirty five years later, I am still serving in an Upper Room dream job.
While in divinity school, I had the opportunity to work for Alive Now magazine during a summer field education placement. That was the summer I fell in love with editing. I couldn't imagine working anywhere but Alive Now, so I did freelance editing and housecleaning for two years until the Assistant Editor job came open. I applied, and a year later I was hired!
I worked with Alive Now for ten years. In 1997, I had the opportunity to become the editor of The Upper Room's first website. After thirteen years in digital publishing, I journeyed back to Alive Now as managing editor, helping, also, to oversee the production of Weavings Journal. These last five years, I've served as the director of prayer and Upper Room worship life and Dean of The Upper Room Chapel.
I'm grateful to the staff of The Upper Room for teaching me, nurturing me, forming me. I would not be who I am today if it were not for those Saints, living and dead, who shaped my life. Rueben Job, Mary Ruth Coffman, Janice Grana, Judy Smith, John Mogabgab, Michael Williams, Hoyt Hickman, Mary Lou Redding, Marjorie Thompson, Deen Thompson, and so many more.
I am grateful, today, and each day, for waking up, going to the office, and working for my Upper Room dream job.