Life has been incredibly busy the last few weeks. I am so blessed to have such a full schedule of activities I truly enjoy doing. I’ve wanted to write but I haven’t had the space in my schedule or in my mind to take the time. When I’ve thought about why that is, I’ve realized that I’ve been consumed by my world in Education. Not only have I spent the last 8 weeks completing the final course of my Masters Degree in Education (evaluating and improving my coaching pedagogy), I’ve been coaching middle school softball AND teaching my 6th and 7th grade students in person daily.
The lifestyle of this schedule can be incredibly exhausting yet I gain so much by being in these settings. It certainly is clear to me that I LOVE TO LEARN & I LOVE TO EDUCATE. I’m realizing what a GIFT this is. In these roles I am able to study, to gain wisdom that benefits my abilities and knowledge on any subject and then turn around and use that gain to teach and to bring others along the journey with me.
When I think about the ending of my Masters, this sports’ season, and the ending of school, I’m considering how all of this benefits my life and where it will take me. Although I have no idea what life will look like on or after the WorldRace, I am confident God will use this gifting as a benefit to my Race experience. I’m gaining excitement for my ability to bring this gift to my team and to the ministries we will serve on the Race.
At times I’ve wondered why I’m teaching, contained by four walls, or even why I was enrolled in my Master’s Program, or why I’m choosing to give up my time to coach sports teams. I always come back to knowing these are stepping stones but also a place where God has been able to work on me while also working through me, in settings I am comfortable in. I have learned so much through these experiences and I hope that those who have been under my leadership in these roles have learned a lot of good too.
Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an educator and as a graduate student include: community is of the utmost value to a successful, lifegiving, overcoming life. Communication is key in all aspects of life and leadership and will define your experience. Education not only provides the opportunity for a greater future but for a greater hope and greater impact. Without meeting the basic needs of students, their ability to be successful is diminished. Our world, our country, our community is in need of more than just improved and reformed education. We are in need of greater hope, greater perspective, and greater understanding of what life is all about.
The last lesson learned is the exact reason God has placed me where I am and where I am going. I’ve learned that my passion is to teach about the greater hope, the greater perspective, and the greater understanding of what life is all about – it’s all about Jesus, it’s about living to love life and to love people. Life is about finding joy in all things, overcoming the roadblocks and bringing light to the world. I am enamored with the opportunity to step into this new role and new journey to share this life lesson with others while having you all follow along with my journey, to see the unfolding, the testimony of a life well lived, and well loved.
THANK YOU to every one of you who has walked by my side throughout my journey these last few years & THANK YOU to every one of you who will continue to walk by me as I continue on. ?? & ??
Psalm 51, James 3:13, 5:22-26.
“Communication is key in all aspects of life and leadership and will define your experience. Education not only provides the opportunity for a greater future but for a greater hope and greater impact.” So true! The Holy spirit leads into all truth (John 16:13), in every aspect of our lives! He also teaches us how to communicate better through tools the Holy spirit revealed to them. Education, indeed, is a gift!