The Highest Calling

I am joining Lauren and Kalyn today for Coffee and Conversation. It's amazing that this question came right at this moment with what's happening in my life.

What does it mean to you to have made a difference in this world? What are you doing to achieve that change, and is it possible to do?

I graduated in December of 2011 with a degree in Special Education and a heart and passion for children. (Obviously. I'm a nanny with a degree in teaching)  While at the lake this weekend with two of my fantastic friends we were sitting on our floats, soaking up the sun (probably a little too much) and just having random conversation. My friend Kirsten got into nursing school and will be starting in the fall and I am so proud of her pursuing her dream to help people. She mentioned that while she was shadowing different people at the hospital that she shadowed a Child Life Specialist. She said it seemed like something I would be good at. She then continued to explain to me that a Child Life Specialist was someone who went into the hospital and worked with kids who were staying in there. Explaining what was going to happen during their surgery and being there for the family.

BOOM.

My heart stopped. I love kids obviously, but have been putting off teaching for a little while now and there has to be a reason for it. I see the difference it makes all the time but feel that it would not be my highest calling that God has for me. If it was then I think doors would have opened and my heart would have been stirred towards teaching, but it hasn't. I am ok with that.

After researching and praying and talking to my mom and a few of my closest friends about the possibility, I started to realize that this could be a possibility. If I am going to be honest it scares the crap out of me. I always thought I would get a higher education but am nervous about going back and doing it again.

On Sunday I sat through a Summer Download at church for the kids ministry I serve in and just listened as our director shared some thoughts with us. She talked about making sure that we were walking into our highest calling, whatever that may be, and doing it completely. WHOA. Wait a second God, are speaking to me? I took it in and then went to sit in our main gathering. It was baptism Sunday which is always my favorite, hearing stories of how God has radically changed lives leaves me in tears as I remember the day God took a hold of me and saved me. Our Pastor talked about the little boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish and how Jesus took it and multiplied it to feed the masses. One of the opening statements that he said was "there is still the possibility for something supernatural to happen in your life." As that moment God had my direct attention, he was totally speaking directly to my heart. He went on to talk about the fact that Jesus used what the boy had available and he blessed it, broke it, and kept multiplying it. But he was only able to do that because the boy let it go.

WHEW.

Take it in Jenny. When I let it go to God, he has the possibility to bless it, break it, and multiply it. I have a gift and a passion, it's children. If I allow God to take that gift and bless it and break it up and multiply it, then He gets all the glory but I get to experience the fullness of who he is.

So where does that leave me.

Do I think I'm making a difference as a nanny right now? Yes I do. I love my kids and I love what I do. But do I think I am stepping into my highest calling that God has for me? No I don't and I am ready to take the necessary steps to get there. First one being signing up for the GRE. I am saving up money now and will be collecting items to study to get ready to take the test in the fall.

As I press forward into this journey I am praying for the Lords guidance and provision as he shows me what it means to press further into Him. Will it be tough and trying at times? Oh yes. But I am ready.

Here I am Lord, Send Me.

Jenny