Oh boy, how my life has changed since my last blog! When I last wrote, I was a part-time teacher and a full-time student at SEBTS. Long story short(er), I am now I full-time AND a part-time teacher, plus a part-time student. Here’s what happened. A third grade teacher decided not to return from maternity leave, and I was asked to take over her class (in addition to the after school music stuff I was already doing.) Well that seemed like an impossible task and not at all in line with what I came here to do (because it would mean dropping some seminary classes.) However, through guidance through scripture and godly counsel, God led me to accept.
Colossians 3 was the scripture God used primarily. Through Paul’s words, I felt God telling me that I was to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (v. 12) That I was going to learn to put on love. (v. 14) That I was to let the word of Christ dwell in me richly (v.15) and work heartily, serving the Lord Christ (v. 23). I asked God a lot of questions, and put forth a lot of “what ifs” and “what abouts.” For example, “Is it possible to teach 3rd grade and chorus without losing my mind and/or my witness?!?” Verse 16 summed up my situation pretty well. (Disclaimer: Please forgive my hermeneutics. I am in that class right now, and I realize that Paul was speaking to the Colossians. I am not the original audience, so I would never preach that this is what this passage is saying. However, I’m just explaining the application of these scriptures in my life that God showed me.) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” I felt like God told me to teach and sing, all the while being thankful that He had answered my prayers.
I had just recently begun to pray for more opportunities to be a witness in my workplace. I missed working full-time and having full-time relationships with colleagues and students. Since I had been praying for that, I could see this job offer as a potential answer to that prayer. It’s also neat to think about how God uses the seemingly insignificant things at the time they occur to accomplish His purpose later. For instance, last spring I had to proctor during SAT testing. I was frustrated that I had to do that rather than teach my usual music classes. I was placed in a 3rd grade room, and at the end of the two weeks, the experience really confirmed my love for 3rd graders. I was a little jealous of the relationship that classroom teacher had with her students because, as a music teacher, I would never have such deep relationships with students I only saw once a week. What a blessing to have a friend remind me of those things as I prayed about this decision!
So…after reading Colossians 3:1-17, I remember telling God, “Ok, I guess this is what you’re leading me to do…but are you serious?!?! I can’t do that… it doesn’t make sense with why I came to seminary… I’ll be worthless because I’ll be so tired… I’ll never get to hang out with friends… (excuse upon excuse.)” So then I read v. 18, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” As a single woman, the only husband I submit myself to is the Lord (Isaiah 54:5). So after one more final Word of instruction, I told God, “Yes.” And with the blessings He has poured out, I will continue saying “yes” to Him. He is ever faithful, always knowing what is best. Father, help me to obey. Your plan is SO worth it.
Just reflecting on that this morning, and I wanted to share.
“Living the dream,”
Jaye
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