My life has been in transition for years, and after such a long time of waiting and hoping, everything is falling into place. This summer, I took an intensive online course, worked part-time at CVS, and applied for job after job. Every week, I applied to two or three different teaching positions, and most applications required a great deal of specific information, along with unique essays. It was draining to invest so much time in the process and to not even get a response from most schools, even when I would call or send emails. Come the end of July, I had no plausible opportunities for teaching jobs. I was beginning to wonder how much longer I was going to have to live dependent on my parents, working at CVS or subbing. Earlier in the year, I was having trouble trusting in God's goodness. Somehow, though, as the summer dwindled, my trust in God grew. I kept reminding myself of all the times He has come through for me in the past and realizing that He has never left me hanging. He always closes one door to open a better one.
Wednesday, August 3rd, I got a phone call from a school system to which I had applied a month earlier (New Haven). I had lost hope that anything would materialize there. But suddenly, here was a voice mail asking me to come in for an interview the next morning. After the interview, the bilingual program supervisor said he would recommend me to a certain principal. On Monday, that principal called me and asked if I would teach a bilingual 5th-grade class at her school. Tuesday, I met the assistant principal, got a tour of the school, and accepted the position.
This is the perfect job for me. I was looking at elementary teaching positions because I love that age group and that is what I am certified to teach. I was also looking at high school Spanish positions, though, because of my experience with and passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic things and because I am seeking certification in that area. This job in New Haven is the only one I found that combines all of my talents, experiences, and passions into one position. I'm going to have a class of about 24 latino 5th graders (my favorite grade), and we are going to use Spanish 75% of the time, gradually increasing the amount of English as the year progresses. It is going to be challenging, but I will be well-supported by a wonderful staff, and I can't fail when God is behind it.
I met a principal recently who told me that getting an elementary teaching position these days is like winning the lottery. I could (but won't) go into many more details about how everything has fallen into place against all odds, including finding just the right apartment in Branford - I move in tomorrow. I am so thankful that this time, I am not getting on a plane, and I am not saying goodbye. I am simply gaining independence, but I will be close enough to continue my relationships with family and friends face-to-face. I have a busy, busy couple of weeks ahead of me, settling into my apartment, setting up my classroom, and starting the school year, but I am trusting for a smooth transition.
"This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.' " ~Isaiah 48:17
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Clean, Part 2
When God spoke to me about being a clean vessel, he revealed two ways we become dirty: speaking words that are contrary to His heart for us (see last post) and controlling. All authority in heaven and Earth belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), and He has given this authority to us (Revelation 2:26-28). But authority and control are not the same thing. Though God is in control, He does not control. Rather, He beckons; He knocks; He waits. In His goodness, He designed the Christian life so that every good thing is available to us through faith. All we have to do is ask and trust (John 14:12-14). Yet in our sinful state, we have a hard time believing these truths:
"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear" (Isaiah 59:1).
"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
"The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).
It is because we haven't learned to trust completely in God's capability and goodness that we try to control. We strive. We try to make things work out. We hold onto possessions, money, and relationships. We worry. We tell others what to do. We manipulate. We try to earn love. These are all forms of control. This is Paul's response to the Galatians' attempt to control by valuing legalistic works above faith and grace:
"You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?" (Galatians 3:1-2)."
To control is to be bewitched. It is to think that we could do any better for ourselves than God can do for and through us. It is another instance of negating the work of the cross. So how do we let go of control? I'm still trying to figure that one out. I think it's a lifelong process that has to do with allowing ourselves to be molded by the hands of the Potter. Allowing God to cut away the junk in our lives. Allowing Him to be our all in all - praising Him when He gives and when He takes away. If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you're probably familiar with this passage:
" 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me' " (John 15:1-4).
The Greek for prunes also means cleans. Having received Jesus' message of salvation makes us clean, and submitting ourselves to be discipled by Him and renew our minds day by day with His Word keeps us clean.
"Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear" (Isaiah 59:1).
"God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
"The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11).
It is because we haven't learned to trust completely in God's capability and goodness that we try to control. We strive. We try to make things work out. We hold onto possessions, money, and relationships. We worry. We tell others what to do. We manipulate. We try to earn love. These are all forms of control. This is Paul's response to the Galatians' attempt to control by valuing legalistic works above faith and grace:
"You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?" (Galatians 3:1-2)."
To control is to be bewitched. It is to think that we could do any better for ourselves than God can do for and through us. It is another instance of negating the work of the cross. So how do we let go of control? I'm still trying to figure that one out. I think it's a lifelong process that has to do with allowing ourselves to be molded by the hands of the Potter. Allowing God to cut away the junk in our lives. Allowing Him to be our all in all - praising Him when He gives and when He takes away. If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you're probably familiar with this passage:
" 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me' " (John 15:1-4).
The Greek for prunes also means cleans. Having received Jesus' message of salvation makes us clean, and submitting ourselves to be discipled by Him and renew our minds day by day with His Word keeps us clean.
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