The story began in May. I was encouraged by my family to look for a part-time job at my daughters Christian school. I have a part-time job. So, I was slightly surprised when the conversations began. However, I prayed about it, and felt as if God was indeed encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. I submitted my application and waited. After all, it was summer and I figured I would probably end up substituting and that is all I really had in mind. God had very different plans for me. It was about two weeks ago, that I was called and asked to come in and interview. The before and after school program, had a couple of openings. There was both a full time and part time position, one with 4 year olds and one in First/Second grade. In my mind this was all happening so fast....EEEKKK CHANGE! I told the director that I would pray about the job opportunity. She was going on vacation, and I had a week, to pray and settle my heart for what job I would take if I took one.
It is really funny how God speaks. I agree with one of my favorite Christian musicians, Mandisa, I think God sounds like James Earl Jones! As I prayed that week, I heard so many things, that I am sure were God. However, most them didn't actually sound like James Earl Jones. The strange thing was that I was at peace. I kept feeling my heart saying, don't worry, I will provide all your needs. This has never happened to me before; I HAVE NEVER HAD PEACE LIKE THIS DURING CHANGE. (Philippians 4:7 kind of peace.) The idea of my needs being met reached a new challenge to me, because the job requires early mornings. I AM NO MORNING PERSON. This may in fact be an understatement. This is a huge step in faith, because I am believing that God is going to take this 35 year old, and miraculously turn me into a happy morning person! I have no choice but to believe it, because well, I heard him say he was going to meet my needs.
I also randomly talked to people during that week, that encouraged me having no idea that they were doing so. It is really strange the way God moves. I have been feeling him move and feeling like he was preparing me for something, I just never imagined it would be this. When I went in for the interview, God gave me one more thing to make me feel sure. There was a new part time position available, and it was in Kindergarten! My daughter is going to start kinder, and I can not think of a better place to be. Needless to say, I am the new Kinder extended learning session (ELS) teacher!
I am very passionate about my daughter and how I want to raise her. I never want my daughter to feel lonely, because I am too busy for her. I want her to have a mom to come home to. I want her to know that I am not only here, but that I am really listening to her. I want her to know that I am involved and engaged with every part of her life, and that she is important. I want her to know God loves her, and so do mom and dad. I have to have a job, but this is like the best of both worlds. I can be with her after school. I also have the opportunity to share and give love to 13 other kids on my roster!
During the week, that I spent praying about taking the job, a theme of love emerged. I was told, that all I had to do was love these kids. I was told that I was a loving person by people who I least expected to hear it from. Then even more encouraging, during my week of inservice and orientation, the discussion was often about love. I have never seen so many people, passionate about Christ, full of love, and genuinely care for one another. By Wednesday, I came home and cried. I am not a crier, but I was so moved by the people, by the scriptures, and the presence of God. The theme for our school year is as follows: Equipped and Empowered to GO! (Backstory: The verses supporting this are Ephesians 6:10-20, the Armor of God, and if you read my blog, you know I LOVE these verses!)
I have always heard the saying: God does not call the equipped, but he equips the called. I find myself in that situation. I have no classroom experience, save a couple of vacation Bible schools, and a few Sunday school classes. However, I choose to view that as a good thing. I have no bad habits, I only have new habits to make. I am in a unique position, I must surrender to God. The minute I think I know what I am doing, I am going to be in real trouble! God has opened this door, and sent out the call. This is so far outside of my box, I have to set my eyes on him and walk in faith. Funny, during inservice, one of the pastors that spoke, asked this question: When is the last time you asked God to grow your faith? It occurs to me that I prayed that very prayer this summer. Now I am here with no choice but to go where I asked. I have to grow deeper and rely on my faith.
My plan for this adventure: LOVE BIG, PRAY HARD, and live in the REST OF FAITH.
Oh and play this every morning:
Normally, I would say this is my mindset, now let me hear yours... this time I will say it this way:
This is where God is taking me, and I hope you will pray with me that God's will be done, and that my words and actions honor Him, as I go through this new adventure in love!
