21 November 2010

I get a bad rap for changing my mind a lot. I want to be a nurse. no wait, a teacher. No no wait, an ice dancer. No wait, gah I don't know!  

It's not so much that I change my mind, as that my mind is open to the possibility that anything is possible.

Case in point: I was accepted as a corps member with the 2011 Teach for America Denver corps.  I was granted a secondary sciences position in the Denver region which means I will be teaching sciences (of the general, biological, chemical, or physical nature) to students anywhere from 7th to 12th grade, depending on my final placement.

I was ecstatic to find out I had been accepted.  TFA is a highly selective organization, and I felt the last few years of hard work pay off in the validation that such an organization would like me to represent them.

And I thought that was that.  Life was good, I have a job lined up for the next two years.

Then I got an email from a ranch I had applied at prior to my TFA acceptance.  The position is a Resident Activity Advisor - a live in position that works with high school students who spend time working and learning  on the ranch.  I would be involved in equine care and management, and other really, really fun activities...living on the ranch, in the middle of the high rockies!

So now what?  I have the potential to choose between two jobs (at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum) and I really feel like I could be fulfilled and excited about either one.  The beauty of accepting the possibility that anything is possible, is I know that whichever path I choose, will be the right one, and I will be happy doing it.  

Over the last few weeks we've been discussing Weber and his work The Protestant Work Ethic & the Spirit of Capitalism.  The notion of a calling has come up several times in discussion, and it's been on my mind and in my heart while I go through these decision making processes.

I believe I am called to work with people, to change lives, and to teach in some capacity.  I love to learn, but my favorite part of acquiring knowledge is sharing it with other people.  Several weeks ago, Pastor Dary made the comment that it's okay for us to be proud of our talents, and what we have to offer - but to remember that what we do should be in the name of glorifying God, and to remember that our gifts are really our gifts from Him.  

Realizing that my love for acquiring and sharing knowledge is a gift from God makes me realize that there are so many capacities in which I can use these talents in ways that would be glorifying.  Ultimately, knowing that He is opening doors for me, and that ultimately, He will lead me down the path that He sees most fit for me to use the gifts He has bestowed, sort of takes the pressure off of making these big life decisions.  The key is just to listen!