In 2008 I was a freshly returned prodigal daughter, new to our church and looking to serve somewhere. I didn’t know what my gifts were. I honestly didn’t think I had any and so my approach was basically “Okay God, have them place me where You want me but just remember, I really REALLY do not like kids.”
Fast forward almost three years and you find me teaching three classes and helping out in a couple of administrative roles…and loving it. Even the kids. God and His sense of humor.
But. I realized a long time ago that my passion is for the hungry/homeless needs. That’s what I see when I’m out and about. That’s what breaks my heart and fires me up and sparks my imagination.
But. I didn’t move on it. God put me in kids ministry for a reason right? And I honestly enjoyed it.
But. More and more lately I’ve felt the pull towards that arena.
But. Time. But. Energy. But….
One day I realized quite clearly that although I LOVE the kids ministry, although I LOVE the team, although I LOVE the kids…I clung to it because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
So. Sunday I gave the director my “notice”. I asked him to find replacements & transition me out by the end of October. And then I cried.
I know – this is supposed to be WONDERFUL Wednesday. We’re getting there.
The kids program director was very encouraging and supportive. I’m excited about where God is going to take me next. I’ve already talk to the head of the “needs program” (I don’t know the official name or if there is one) at our church. He knows me and was excited about me moving over. I also took a few hours off of work this afternoon and toured the Boise Rescue Mission facilities. That led to some big “what if” scary big type questions. And then I asked my (boss’s) boss who was heading up the annual department holiday food drive this year now that the former organizer is retired. No one had taken up that mantle and I found it draped on my shoulders.
There’s a couple of dreams percolating that require more prayer and research and time. But instead of diving headlong into every idea that skitters across my easily amused mind, I’m keeping my priorities firmly in view…my relationship with God and my family. Everything filters through those first.
I’m excited. I’m a little scared. But mostly I’m excited.
September 19th, 2011 at 9:15 am
[...] Almost three years exactly from when I started in the kids’ ministry at our church, I will be … I’ve slowly been telling people over the past week. It’s certainly not a major announcement for anyone else, nor will it be a massive change within the program. But it does mean a pretty major shake up in my life. It’s a great team. I love them dearly and I’ve worked with quite a few of them the majority of those years, if not all. For all the tweaks and changes made to the program, it was still familiar and comfortable. I knew my roles, I knew where I fit. [...]