i am a child. a student.

While driving home from work this evening I was thinking about myself as a teacher. I teach 3 courses, approximately 85 students overall, at Shannon Forest Christian School. Going into this position I was nervous. Sure, I wanted out of the restaurant business and into a field of my study (Theatre), but I would rather act and do improv, not teach. But as I started to see why God has me at the school, it became a more joyful experience...and, truthfully, easier to obey the Lord.
Here are some things that have been roaming around the space in my head:

I didn't want to be a full-time teacher.
God provided a part-time position teaching something I'm passionate about.

I didn't want to have to wake up early.
My classes begin at 1:20pm.

I didn't think it was possible to teach only 3 high school students (yep, there are only 3 in my 7th period class).
It has been one of the biggest blessings so far!

I wanted to make an impact.
God has allowed me to connect personally with all 3 of my students.

Tonight I was frustrated though. I had expectations of the kids being more disciplined and well-behaved. I was talking to myself and God in the car, and I said, "Why won't they just listen and obey me?"
And then came the Holy Spirit...
"Why don't you, Britney?"
It's the same with God.
I'm on the cusp of tears as I write this. What a perfect, gentle way to teach me to listen and obey my Father.
God is ever faithful, ever patient, and always always loving. In my trials as a teacher, the Lord is really tugging on my heart to learn some valuable lessons.

Faithful as Always

I want my life to be an encouragement to others. I want my story and my experiences to point to Christ.
I trust the Lord. I want to follow His plan.

I'm teaching this year. Not something I would have plotted for myself, but I'm actually enjoying it, and today I got to see a speck of why I might be there. For this specific time, this specific year, this specific season in my life.

A student stayed after class and talked to me about her life. I shared a good bit of my journey. She opened up. I just felt like God saying, "This is why I've placed you here, Britney."

If my students leave my class knowing more about Christ, experiencing His love through my teaching, and growing in their walk...I have done well. If they leave knowing NOTHING about Theatre, but I have helped lead them on the path of righteousness, I will count that as success. Of course, I know they will learn SOMETHING about Theatre :-) But I am actually getting settled into this whole "life-changing" process. The process in my students' lives. And my own.

I traveled to Charlotte and Columbia the past few days. I attended Elevation Church in Charlotte on Sunday. The words to the following song struck a big chord in my heart. It's really my prayer in this chapter of my life. I hope everyone reading will reflect on the beauty of God this week!

All I am, I surrender.
Give me faith to trust what You say-
That You're good, and Your love is great.
I'm broken inside. I give you my life.
I may be weak, but Your Spirit's strong in me.
My flesh may fail, but my God, You never will!