1 Corinthians 7:17: Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.
Teaching seniors for more than 20 years has been one of the great joys and privileges of my life. And although I was certainly called to be a teacher, it is important to me that my students realize that each of us hears God’s call in a very different way. For some, being children of Lutheran education compels them to study education at a Concordia University and become a Lutheran school teacher themselves. For others like me, this call to Lutheran education wasn’t so clear. I was a K-12 public school student, and then I studied education at Purdue University and began my teaching career in the public school system. Several years in, however, I felt strongly that something was missing. Something big. I was unhappy. I was tired. I was anxious. I resigned from my position and prayed hard for guidance. I prayed for wisdom and discernment. And then, after a year, I heard God’s call loud and clear. A part-time position at Central Lutheran School became available. They needed a librarian, and, as it turns out, I needed those sweet little readers even more. My time at Central helped me regain my confidence as an educator and prepared me to return to the classroom.
What I want my seniors to know is this: God’s call will come. For some of you, it has already come. You have a clear path to pursue, and you have begun to take those steps. For others, you will have to wait a bit longer. You will begin in one direction and perhaps veer off on another. You may feel anxious and uncertain. If this is you, I encourage you to pray. And then wait. The waiting can be so difficult, but when God decides you are ready to listen, He will call you. So please, please do not be discouraged if you don’t have your life all planned out before you graduate. Remember, things happen in His time, not ours. My prayer for each of you is that you keep your hearts open to God’s call and live the beautiful life that He has planned for you.
Ephesians 4:1-6: I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Kelly Beverly,English Teacher