I would like to begin this story by saying two of my greatest fears (besides my paralyzing terror of sloths) are public speaking without a translator and singing in front of people. These may not seem like a big deal to many people, but to me...they're pretty scary. Unfortunately, these two things were the farthest things from my mind when I prayed for confidence and boldness in Christ. And our God is a God who answers prayer. I should have known I wouldn't just wake up one morning and think to myself, 'Wow, I sure am feeling confident and bold today!" It should not have come as a surprise to me when, within two days, I was asked to plan to speak in chapel in a few weeks and also to lead a song with Aimee in church this weekend. I agreed to both of these things before my mind could process what I was saying yes to, and when my mind finally caught up to my mouth, my stomach joined in saying 'what were you thinking?!' (more so about chapel than the singing). This went on for a day or two, as I was desperately trying to come up with ideas...then I decided I should pray. I believe my prayer went something like this, "God, if this is something you want me to do, please tell me exactly what to speak about. If it's ok for me to back out, then please make that clear." Another day or two passed, ideas came and went, yet I still was slightly freaking out mentally. And suddenly, as I was brushing my teeth last night, I remembered my first prayer...the one that went something like, "God, please make me confident and bold in You." I literally started laughing. God definitely answers prayer, and here I was praying that He would make it ok for me to back out! haha! Once I realized that, I felt totally at peace about the whole thing. Yeah, I'll probably still be nervous about getting up there and speaking to the whole school...but I'm actually kind of excited about the opportunity now. I know God is totally, 100% in control, and since He put me in this situation, His will will be done, and I am sure that He will provide all the confidence and boldness that I need. What a comforting thought!
Well, this was my third week of school already! I added on another subject, so I'm now teaching the whole class for Bible, first grade reading groups, and first grade math. Monday I am adding on first grade language/letters and sounds. It is going pretty well! I am learning a lot, and I am happy to be working with Patricia. She is encouraging to me - after every lesson she sits down with me and her notes that she took and takes me through strenghts and suggestions. She is such a great lady. A few days this week the kids were a little...hmm...rambunctious...haha, and I got a little flustered teaching on those days - just feeling like I had no control. But it really wasn't that bad, and as the week progressed things got a little better. Today was a fun day. I just taught math today, and it was fun! The kids really listened and got involved with the manipulatives and stuff that I used. So I was definitely encouraged today.
This week went so fast, but I am glad that it is the weekend now! It should be an interesting weekend...I am going to a wedding tomorrow and to a church outside of the city on Sunday! I am looking forward to these different experiences and to more exciting answers to prayer! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment