Humbled

Well, for the past few days I have been really seeking God about some decisions I have to make. I must say that the past couple of weeks, Luke has been consumed with getting his resume out to a variety of schools and in turn, trying to wait patiently to see if anything opens up. Of course, our minds are wondering, ok, are we going to end up moving due to a job opening, is the Lord going to keep us here, etc. Then, last week I started thinking about how Luke and I working at Sumter last year was really a pretty good deal. We worked together, we had our lesson plans in place, etc. With that, we were making some decent money.

Well, this year, with me working at a private school, I have had to take a salary decrease. Then, Luke is not getting paid as much as he thought he would, because the school district has decided to make it difficult for Luke to get paid for a few years that he taught at the private school. Plus, since August, we have had to pay for medical insurance for Luke because his would not go into effect until December. So, needless to say, we have taken a pay cut thus far this year and really, it has not been fun. On top of that, we ended up having to get a new car because our Santa Fe decided to leave us with no engine! Life, what a journey.

So anyway, last week, I was like, maybe next year, I should just go back to teaching at the public school and with that, getting Nationally Board Certified. Teachers who are Nationally Board Certified can make an extra $5,000-$10,000 a year. Yep, that's right. Quite the increase.

Well, being at Foundation this week has really just made me enjoy where I am at. I just don't know if I would enjoy teaching middle school again, and I don't think I want to teach high school at the public school, especially after what Luke has gone through this year. So, being at Foundation this week, has just really made me want to stay there even though I am making less than what I would like to make. At Foundation, I am really having the opportunity to make changes for the better. And I really like that. Here's a note I got from my supervisor today:

Dear Jennifer:
I just wanted to tell you how great a blessing you are to me. I never have to worry about your class or that the children are being taught. Your work is always so professionally done. You are there whenever there is a need and I am very glad to have you in the secondary. Thanks for all you do. You are professional.

When I got this, it really lifted my spirits. It sure is nice getting encouragement every once in a while.

Another issue that I am dealing with is whether or not I should continue to do training with PTP-Pathway to Purpose. They are offering a level 4 and 5 training which in turn, will allow me to train other women. I would like to continue this trainning but of course, it costs money. And with that, I am just really seeking the Lord as to what he wants me to spend my time and energy doing. I have a desire to continue within the education field and at the same time, take part in ministry. I would LOVE to write either for magazines or to write a book at some point. But as we know, I really need to watch what I put on my plate. I work full-time, am working on my doctorate, and am actively involved with my church. So, I am really seeking the Lord as to what he wants me to do.

The other day, I asked some people to tell me what they thought my strengths were and what it is that I do well. I was overwhelmed by the response I got from a variety of people. Many "assessments" encourage you to ask people what they see in you because it allows you to realize where you are making an impact. So, here are some of the things my friends had to say to me (friends from the time I was young, college friends, seminary, and current friends from my church, The Crossing. I warn you, it's a little long:

Sold Out
Honest
Aggressive
Thoughtful
Caring
Strong
Relational
Passionate
Funny
Driven
Love people unashamedly
Model what I teach
Motivate others
Faithful
Great example of what it means to be a Christian
Open window letting the light shine through
Follow through with my great ideas
People know me at the Crossing
God's using me to touch lives
Charisma
Hospitable
Home is warm and welcoming
Glowing
Exude love, kindness, and sweetness
Organizer
Enjoy having a good laugh
Make people feel comfortable, at ease, and wanted
Dedicated
Disciplined
Friendly
Seeks to serve others
Serve people extremely well
Giving nature shines
People can count on me
Heart for people
Real
True friend
Teach/lead

Yikes!! I just could not believe the response I got. I was humbled. Doing this activity made me realize that the way you life your life really makes an impact. Going through this activity, I also realized more of how the Lord has gifted me and how the Lord may possibly want to use me within his ministry.

Also, going through all of this, has made me realize even more that money is not everything. And then, along with the encouragement that I have recieved from friends, I recieved encouragement from a student of mine with the post she made for my English class blog. And then, Cindie, a fellow PTP friend, posted on her blog about how so many times we can get caught up in the money trap. So, needless to say, I think the Lord may be trying to speak to me! I am realizing more and more that making more money, isn't what life is all about. I enjoy my job at Foundation, and I will still there until the Lord moves me. Yeah, I could make more money at a public school, but in reality, would I be fulfilled? I really don't think so. I think I would be miserable. I am also learning to just truly take one day at a time and to wait patiently for the Lord and his leading. Who knows what he has up his sleeve!

Ok, I don't even know if any of this makes sense, but for me, it sure was good to get it all out! Who knows, I may be the only one reading this! :)