Urb it Up

For the past three years I have been completing an education that will end with me being a licensed teacher. I have learned that most things that happen in the classroom are not things you can learn by reading or studying, but only by doing. Teaching is my passion, it's my calling and I cannot imagine spending my life doing anything else. I have always believed that all teachers can make a difference and I would like to think that most do. However, my thoughts on myself and where I should end up have changed.

There are moments in life that cannot be explained, but you know that something changes inside you that makes you want to a person you have always strived for. I had one of these moments not long ago. Teachers do make a difference, but some make much more of a difference than others. I don't want to teach where every one wants to, but rather, teach where no body wants to. These are where the biggest differences can be made.

I never wanted to be that teacher. I never wanted to walk into an environment in which I would feel uncomfortable or possibly not safe, but someone has to do it. Good teachers are needed everywhere, not just in schools with money or in middle-class suburbia, but everywhere. Instead of complaining or pointing out what's wrong with the world, I figure it would be best to actually try and help some of those in need. Will I be able to change the world? Absolutely not. But hopefully I can change some lives for the better.

Teaching is not an easy job no matter where you are, and I know what I am asking for could really end up being a disaster, but on the flip side it could be an amazing success. Without risk, there is no gain. Without failure, there is no learning. I truly believe this is where I am meant to go, and if that is the case, I know I cannot fail. I will not fail.

PYT 2010: Life Changing

This past week I ventured up to Purdue for a little get together call the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. Every three years, Presbyterians from across the country and world get together for a week. 5,000 Presbyterians in one auditorium is a pretty impressive sight. Being too old this year to be a participant, I was instead part of the roughly 50 member work crew. After spending a week with them, I feel I have made a group of life long friends. We all said our teary goodbyes yesterday, but it's not goodbye, it's see you later. I never imagined going into the week that I'd walk away with such a different mindset in so many areas of my life.

I am sad the week is over, but we're already discussing getting together for future mission trips and reunions. I have no doubt that this group can make in an impact in the world. The theme of the week was "For such a time as this." That quote comes from the story of Esther in which she is placed in the King's harem by God so that she could save the lives of many Jews, and had been placed there "for such a time as this." There's no better time than now, no better time to start living a life you were meant to be living.

I left this week with so much passion in my heart for God's word, and for understanding my calling in life. It's not an easy calling, but it's not supposed to be easy. Making a difference isn't easy. Loving and following God isn't always easy, but I have finally been awakened to do just that. I want to say thank you to all those who came into my life this past week, we were all placed here for such a time as this.