I graduated college this summer knowing that teaching was something God had made me for. I genuinely enjoyed my education classes. I loved talking about different learning theories and learning new ways to teach effectively. I loved my student teaching experience and the students I taught. Teaching is a huge passion the Lord has given me. Whether it's teaching English or Dance class, math, or biblical concepts, I love helping others learn and grow.
This summer has definitely been a journey filled with lots of opportunities for me to learn and grow myself. The really amazing thing is that the Lord has been my teacher. One idea that has really been emphasized to me is God as the provider.
I was blessed enough to grow up in a Christian household. I went to church every Sunday, my parents were both involved in the work of the church in one way or another, and you better believe I was signed up for every children’s activity that church had. Between bible drills, G.As (girls in action), and Sunday school I had a lot of head knowledge about God. I knew him in my head as the one who provided. I have heard plenty of stories of God showing himself this way to others, but this summer I got to experience it, giving me more than a head knowledge of God.
I saw His true provision. Before starting support raising, my life had been pretty financially secure. My family didn’t struggle to make bills every month, and if we ever did, I didn’t know about it. In college, my parents paid for the things I couldn’t with my part-time jobs. But in this season, I was vulnerable in a new way. I had to be completely dependent on the Lord and the fact that He would provide what I needed. Reaching my financial goal was not something I could do through my works alone. I can talk to people all day long about the work I will be doing, but that doesn’t mean they will be excited or even receptive to it. However, this summer I saw that he does and he will provide for me what I need. Through his provision, I was completely funded by the middle of July. It was all because of God and the way He moved that I was able to meet my goal.
And let me tell you, He had some pretty amazing ways of providing. Admittingly, most of the people I spoke to were willing to give (that’s a praise in and of its self) and I am thankful for every single one. But, some really spoke to my heart. I saw that some families were really giving all they could give, reminding me of the woman and the mite in Mark. The woman only gave two coins, but those two coins were more valuable than the money the Pharisees gave because she was giving all she had. It was so humbling and honoring to see the attitude of that woman in real life. Even as I write, I can’t help but smile and get goosebumps. There was even a little boy, who had a lemonade stand for several different causes in the area, and he chose to give part of the proceeds to and the work I will be doing in Mexico. I really couldn’t believe it! Talk about faith in action! Again, I was honored.
A good teacher always has an objective, and this summer God had a lot of objectives for me to learn. But, He didn’t just give one way to learn to them. He showed me several times. I knew God provides when I was younger, but I didn’t really understand it. That head knowledge I had was kind of like the preview to the lesson he would teach me. Then, He really showed me what his provision looks like and allowed me to see the attitude of genuine faith from the people who gave. His provision is truly amazing and our response to that provision should be the same