1.9.09

and i had no answer.

dear children-who-i-will-play-hide-and-seek-with,

if i am not a teacher when you are reading this i must explain why.

it was the twenty-seventh of august and a blistering afternoon as i walked into room 105 with haste. the class? intro to education. the teacher was poised and carried herself with grace. her eyes glowed - warm and welcoming, interested and engaged. she rattled off the requirements, pacing leisurely. eyes still glowing, but now stern. soft but stern. she asked: "why are you taking this course?" and was bombarded with answers such as: i've wanted to be a teacher since i was four, or my mother was a teacher, and before her, my grandmother, or i have helped out in sunday school, or i intern at the ymca. and i had no answer. no passionate, or even slightly enthusiastic response. of course i said something. but it was nothing of consequence or commitment. and with an approving glance, she moved to the next student. my answer had nothing to do with a profound longing in my soul to affect the lives of children in a classroom setting. because that desire is not in me. not now. maybe not ever. thus i dropped my liberal studies major. and i am now a worship and the arts major. worship leader emphasis. i am most complete when in His presence. and am honored to usher in His presence. and am amazed when people engage with Him. there is no thing like it.

that is the story. my story. and your grandfather is worried because he is unsure of the job opportunities i will find. he is concerned that i do not see the reality of my decision. he anticipates the dire situations i might find myself in if i do not declare a "useful" major. a "practical" major. one that will provide for my future. but i know my God. and He is real. and He is entirely more aware of the reality of my decision than even your grandfather is. than even i am. and that is a relief.

sincerely,
a girl who has made a life altering decision to trust that His plans are far better than mine

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

congratulations :)

RayRay said...

girl. hats off to you. I admire your courage, faith, and conviction with which you live your life. And I might also add that I understand the reaction when people always asked what my major was and my answer was, "Home and Family Living." You will use your major in the most important areas of life. Guaranteed.

Jayne said...

:) i LOVED this post.

emi. said...

there's something about the word worship that is so gorgeous. i'm excited for you!