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Not disappointed, rightly appointed
Last year, after completing a teaching certificate program for my state, I took a job as a classroom aid. I worked 35 hours a week at this job, but it was low paying and there was no lesson planning involved on my part. I accepted this position after applying and interviewing for many classroom teacher positions. While I was grateful for the employment and the opportunity to work in a school, I wrestled with feelings of disappointment, unfulfillment, and failure at not getting a full-time teaching position. When spring rolled around, I began applying for dozens of classroom teacher jobs.
I was also praying diligently during this time. I began by recognizing all the good that my teacher aid position had provided me. A shorter daily schedule had enabled me to spend time working on the house my husband and I had recently purchased. Working in this school had also provided me with the opportunity to develop as a professional. I’d built very strong relationships with the principal and teachers. And I had the daily opportunity to practice seeing each child I interacted with as the absolute pure idea of God, which was my great joy and the reason I’d pursued teaching in the first place.
I came to a place mentally where instead of feeling as if I’d had to take a job that was my second or third choice, or that I’d had to “make do” with, I was now recognizing that every day I could truly be fulfilled, joyful, and serve God. Whether I was working as a teacher aid, a tenured teacher, or even as an electrician or an accountant didn’t matter! I was realizing that wherever we go, we have the privilege and opportunity to shine forth all the love of God into every situation. That’s what is truly fulfilling.
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