An Adventure in Anything

Anything.  When you think about it, that’s a pretty powerful word.  Recently, I read a book by Jennie Allen titled,  anything: the prayer that unlocked my God and my Soul. In the book, she describes a process God took her family through in which they prayed “We will do anything for you.”  I remember thinking as I read, “That’s great for this family, but certainly He doesn’t expect me to do this.”  Little did I know, He expected exactly that and more.  

Most of you already know that I recently completed my Master’s degree in Education.  I am often asked why I decided to go back to school and change careers at such a busy time in my life.  With three young children at home, it certainly was a crazy time to take on such a task.  My answer has always been the same:  because God asked me to.  I have enjoyed being with and teaching children for years and so it only seemed fitting that God would call me to such an adventure.  I have been so sure of this decision. 

As the time grew near to begin the application and interview process, I prayed that God would lead me to the school in which I could best serve Him.  I prayed and prayed for the perfect interview at the perfect school.  The perfect opportunity never came.  I felt all along that the process just didn’t “feel right” to me and I even told Scott that I wasn’t sure that I was ready to work full-time. (That went over real well, by the way). Part of the benefit of securing a new job would be to help with the private school tuition bills that seem to be growing and growing. 

 I decided to take an interim position because it would give me valuable “beginning of the year” teaching experience without the commitment of a full-time, year-long teaching job.  I loved every minute of this experience.  I am so grateful for the opportunity I had in that elementary school.

And as God usually does, He spoke very clearly about my next adventure.  Just before the 2^nd grade position was to end, I received a phone call from the Children’s Minister at church.  She wondered if I was interested in working with our preteens.  Funny, because I thought I already was!  For years I’ve worked with 5^th and 6^th graders in various capacities.  She offered a part-time position leading our 5^th and 6^th grade children as the new Preteen Ministry Coordinator.  I was thrilled and excited about the possibility but suddenly, the thought terrified me.  Was I willing to put aside the classroom teaching for a different type of classroom?  I was so sure of my calling to be a teacher and now God decides to turn the path on me?  I found myself questioning and wondering if I had gotten it all wrong.  And what about helping out financially at home?  Would part-time work be enough? 

As I thought about the events that led up to this point, I realized that God had taken tiny steps to equip me for this exact position.  He had, in fact, convinced me to get another degree, a degree that would teach me how to lead children.  He granted me practical, hands-on experience with the very age group He wanted me to lead.  He prepared me with the book, anything, opening my heart to the idea of leaving my own plans behind to follow His.  Then, in His infinite wisdom and His perfect timing, He offered me the classroom experience He knew I would love.  When that foundation was laid, He quietly questioned me:  “Will you do anything?”  And of course, my heart screams back “Send me, Lord.  I will do anything.” 

It is with great joy that I begin this new adventure as Preteen Ministry Coordinator at Spring Hill Baptist Church.  My heart is humbled and I can’t wait to see where God’s path leads next.   

Dear Lord,

I am so honored that you would ask me to lead this group of children.   I want them to know you passionately and seek you in all that they do.  Help me to teach them how to find you.  Help me to show them how to serve others faithfully.  Give them a heart for missions so that when they leave us, they will be equipped to serve you wherever you lead.  I love you Lord and I am so very ready for anything.  Amen.

 

As a side note:  Two days after I accepted this position, Scott received a raise in pay at work.  It was like God was saying “See, I told you I would work it all out.”  I love it when God puts an exclamation mark on His plans!