Just some of the things I didn't know I was in for:
Hugs and warm greetings from Walmart employees
Bug species and sizes I've never seen or heard of before
giant beetle(that's Kenny's shoe)
a gas leak
skies filled with three types of clouds at once
package/ red dot stores
being awakened by the chirping of frogs, not birds
The list could go on, but I will stop with the one that has really hung me up. It took a long time to get my SC teaching certification, and when it came it was a pleasant, but loaded surprise. I am happy to say that I am highly qualified in the areas of English and Middle Level Language Arts and have certification in theater, but it's the second certification that threw me. In Ohio, I can teach grades 7-12. In South Carolina, I can teach Language Arts down to the 5th grade! While that thrills me, I have missed several job opportunities that I could not afford to miss, especially this close to the school year. I know you are wondering if I had called and asked in what I would be certified. I did, but I was told that it would have to be determined because the Department of Education representative had never even heard of my certification before! I am more than frustrated at my missed opportunities--especially when I had no information to work with. Today found me scrambling to apply for a position I am now qualified to teach. I really need and want to get a full-time teaching job, and I am very concerned about the consequences of that not happening!
Sometimes we just can't anticipate, control, or even remedy the things that happen in our lives. What we have to do is try to keep our perspective and not allow those life-quakes and bumps in the road to paralyze us with fear. First, we have to get back up on our feet and figure the best course of action with what we have left, even while we are still dealing with the aftershocks. I find myself especially challenged by this sometimes. Perhaps I'm a bit of a drama queen, but I can begin to get lost in the worst-case scenario and want to give up all hope. (Kenny and my puffy eyelids will attest to such an occurrence within the last 24 hours.) Secondly, we have to actually step out and take action toward restoration or construction of our plan. Fear of failure (again), just plain fear, defeat, or even a sense of unworthiness can keep us from ever making the first step. I have been challenged over the last few weeks to feel my fear and do whatever it is anyway. And I encourage you to do the same, even if it means you don't succeed. Just taking positive action helps build confidence and competence to try again. I have worked up my courage by praying and talking to God on my way through challenges. Sometimes I have even told God that I wasn't prepared or didn't want to, but I would go ahead and do the best or right thing. I have to admit that there are even times when I have felt or do feel very alone and somewhat abandoned by God. In those times, I try to imagine what I would do if I felt God was cheering me on, and then I do that thing. (Notice I use the word felt here which is not a true reflection of reality!) I always seem to feel better after I have taken action, and I continue to pray for wisdom and blessings as I try to make my way back onto the path.
What has knocked you off your feet that you didn't see coming? Maybe it's the actions of a friend or family member, a death, a job or lack of one, a home or car repair, a diagnosis. Remember what the Lord has said...
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be terrified;do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
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