Don't Ever Say Never!

We all have "nevers". It's those things we say we will "never" do, wear, say, feel, or have! But there's something I've learned and that with God, the word "never" is a chance for Him to work in us!

Here are a few of my "nevers":

*I will never go to college anywhere except Hawaii (that didn't happen!)

*I won't ever wear yellow (I now own three different shirts that are yellow)

*I never want to live where it's cold (we've had a lot of snow in GA this year!)

*I will never understand or like politics (and yet I interned for a ministry that was all about politics!)

*I will never be interested in a guy who was younger than me (turns out the only guy I'm interested in is younger than me)

And the last one: *I will never be a teacher...

For as long as I can remember I have been surrounded my incredible teachers! Some of whom were trained to be teachers and some just had a heart to teach. When I started thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I knew one thing: I didn't want to be a teacher. I just never thought I would be a good it. I had seen what it took to become an exceptional teacher and I wasn't sure I had what it took to be a good teacher. I liked helping other people teach, but I didn't think I could do it.

Last fall, things began to change. I was given more opportunities to be in a position to teach and work with children. I started to really enjoy it and I found myself becoming excited about teaching. I started to question what I was doing with my life. I knew I wanted to work with children and I felt like God was saying it would be either in the medical field or as a psychologist/speech pathologist, but not as a teacher. Because this is what I believed I was supposed to be doing, that is what I was pursuing. During the fall semester I registered for and was only 2 classes away from completing an associates in psychology. Since I was feeling uncertain, I sat with God and began to ask Him what I should do. I asked Him so give me clarity and to give me a specific direction for my life.

I taught a government class to a group of 7th and 8th graders. Government isn't the most exciting subject in the whole world, especially if you have to sit for a total of 8 hours in a small room for the class. I knew I had to do my best in order to make it interesting and exciting. At the end of the class I thought the kids would be glad to have the class finished. But it was the complete opposite. Each one of them complained they didn't want the class to be over! It was in that moment that I felt God clearly telling me He wanted me to be a teacher. I shared my decision with the people in my life whose wisdom and opinion matters the most. I received confirmation from each one of them and continued to feel God's peace.

I started the process of changing majors and adjusting my school schedule. This semester has been my most difficult one so far and on many different levels. But through it all, I feel God's peace and I find my strength and drive in Him. I love the peace and fulfillment that comes from walking where God wants me to walk. I look forward to what He has in store for me!

I guess the moral of the story is: When we say "never" it gives God a chance to work in us! So be prepared and never say "never"!

Me and my biggest inspiration, cheerleader, and mentor in my journey to become a teacher. She's my mom!