A few months ago, I submitted an application to the Tipton County Board of Education for any possible openings they may have. I really hesitated to do so. I was fearful that I'd get one of those "Thanks, but no thanks" letters.
I always knew I wanted to teach. But I didn't want to go the education route in high school mainly because I (I, I, I) wanted to teach college and knew I wouldn't need the traditional education degree, just a masters in the area I wanted to teach. Very soon after Brian and I got married, I felt the Lord putting a desire on my heart for teenagers. Of course, being in youth ministry, I get the opportunity to spend time with teens often. However, I knew the Lord was trying to tell me that MY contribution in Brian's ministry would be in the very schools our youth were in. As I debated that application, I knew not having the education background could work against me. But I knew I felt the Lord calling me to follow through with it.
So, let us fast forward a bit. On Wednesday January 5, Brian and I were leaving church and headed home. We were talking about how much we loved our church, our youth, and life as a whole. We really were just counting our blessings and had such an air of gratefulness. The whole drive home, I just felt like something big was on the edge of our existence. It was as if I could anticipate the Lord was preparing us for something great.
Two days later, I was sitting in my office at work. It was a slow morning and I decided to spend some time listening to my Hillsong United station on Pandora (two thumbs up!). I was enjoying such a cool time of worship right there at work when I felt the Lord telling me "something good is going to be knocking at your door."
As always, He was right. At 2:00, I got a call from the principal at Brighton High School - in the same town as our church, and the same school that 95% of our youth attend. She informed me that there was an immediate opening for an English teacher. Funny story: my Junior year in college, my advisor called and informed me that if I didn't pick a major that day, I wouldn't graduate on time. I gave a little vocal pause and just said, "Ah, just put down English." ....God works in mysterious ways.
Long story short, I interviewed a week later and was hired on the spot. I quit my job and this past Monday morning, I was in the classroom. Today, just three days into my new job, I'm having my first snow day!
Even more good news - last Wednesday, we went to church early just to hang out. I was off that week and Brian's afternoon classes were canceled. Our pastor came over to the youth building to tell us someone had found a house for rent that we might want to look at. We hopped in the car and went to check it out. It was perfect! Just what we wanted! And the landlord was offering it to us with NO deposit and the ability to move in whenever we wished. Our pastor then informed us that our church would be paying to have all our utilities cut on, as well as cleaning the house before we got moved in. Then, we went to check out appliances for the home at a local store in town. The owner offered us a washer, a dryer, and a refrigerator -- all BRAND NEW -- for such a great price. Best of all, he is letting us pay on it month by month with no interest and at a price that WE set.
So there you go. In one week, I got the job I desired, and the Lord provided a sweet home and all the "fixings." Needless to say, we've been blown away by His goodness.
The Lord has just really shown us that if we wait on Him, He will provide in ways we never imagined possible. Of course, these are things we always knew, but He has made it SO very real for us these past few weeks. More than anything, I have most certainly learned that He deserves all the praise. Every single bit of it - in the good times AND the bad. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
