Most recently I have been so encouraged by the simple fact that once again I have been dreaming and looking into some longer term goals for my life. Since graduating college one of the biggest challenges has been not being able to be excited about careers or goals for my life beyond my time as an Assistant Resident Director. I love the ministry I get to be a part of at Olivet, but I also know that it is seasonal and that eventually it will be time for me to move beyond here and to invest in something else. However, for the last 2 years that something else has been the daunting question. My degree in business is very general and I could do a lot with it, however what I was hoping to do with it is pretty specific and the Lord hasn't really opened those doors, and it once again is seasonal. So as I have been praying and asking the Lord to show me what else I could be excited about doing. What else I could pour my heart into when it comes to work down the road. I have been wrestling with that.
About a month ago, while I was sitting at a conference for work listening to everyone else speak passionately about what they do I realized that I could be too. The Lord started reminding me of my love for high schoolers and my desire to work in the school. He reminded me of the vital role my high school guidance counselor played in my high school years. And I began to realize that going back to get my masters in school counseling would be very achievable and something I could definitely see myself doing. As this new thought process came about I began to realize that this step of the journey could allow me to spend my summer working at camp. An application to apply was waiting in my inbox and I felt pulled in two different directions. I wanted to work at camp and yet realistically that didn't make since because I have a job and I need to have something to do in the fall. Quitting my job so that I could work at camp all summer seemed impossible. However, once the idea of starting a masters in the fall came into play I realized that the opportunity to work at camp was a definite possibility. Puzzle pieces started to fall into place. I accepted a position at Covenant Harbor to work as the Day Camp Program Director this summer. It is a position that is going to challenge me and stretch me in ways beyond what I feel capable of, but I believe that through these moments the Lord will work in and through me and I can't wait to see that happen. I have never really gotten to be a part of camp, but have always desired to. Here is my open door and I can't wait to be a part of it!
The plan for now is to start an online masters in school counseling in the fall. On top of this, I am hoping to do some substitute teaching in the high school to get my foot in the door there. So between ARD life, schoolwork, and hopefully working at the school some I should be able to find a somewhat consistent schedule and stay busy. I am moving buildings again next year (I am a pro at moving by now). It is the same position, but a different team dynamic. I am excited for the ways this opportunity is also going to stretch me. I am looking forward to getting to work with my team and learn together.
Another thing I am super grateful for are the people God has placed in my life and the ways my relationships with them have grown. I'm thankful for friends in my life who encourage me, challenge me, and continually point me back to Jesus. I've been on a new journey this year as I learn what a dating relationship looks like. I love dating my best friend. I also love that him and my best friend are best friends. It has been so much fun and has definitely taught me so much. Parker has learned to love walking and talking and I am beginning to somewhat enjoy baseball, at least Olivet baseball :) He is so supportive of me and whatever I am doing, I couldn't ask for more.
I am learning to trust God in all things. Relinquishing control is something I am not good at. I hold onto things too tightly, but the Lord has been challenging me to let go and to allow Him to take control so that I can live in His peace.
