Transition. The point in life between where we just were to where we are going to be in a very short amount of time…and the need to deal with that change. Four years ago I planned to be student teaching and applying to be an elementary music teacher. God had a different plan. Two years into college a hunger developed inside me. What I first wanted felt like a void so I left to find what was sustaining. What I did not know is that the sustaining piece of life I wanted I wouldn’t have to find. God had already found me. 2 years later and I have finished all the classes, passed all the exams, packed my car full of my college life and drove away to the next step in the journey of life. Two years ago God led me to Minnesota. This time I have been led to Youngstown Ohio. So after my first day at the church and exploring around the area here are some words of wisdom and a bit of my expirience during this time of transition.
Armpit hugs are more than acceptable…to other dudes. But…I guess I will accept them and understand it is a sign of acceptance…in some strange way.
Pet store visits are good for the soul…and I love the ugly doggies.
The GPS navigation on my phone can be trusted to deliver the fastest route to a destination. Unfortunately, the fastest way is not always the safest…as I found out after crossing down the wrong street in a super shady neighborhood.
I admit I dreamed of my first office space, and even if that office is only my internship office, it still counts. Too bad that office was flooded. Ha actually I didn’t mind…kinda humorous if you think about it.
My favorite part of the day was the head Pastor’s explanation on potential conflict I may encounter. “And Beth…while working with a group of men…when they flatulate.”
I am still not used to being called Pastor Beth….or the new favorite Pastor Painter.
So here I am 4 years later. I stopped by Barns & Noble today and picked up a drawing book and shading pencils. At first I panicked thinking “there’s no way I will have time for this…” but I am no longer strained with hours of class work or hours of music practice. Today I had time I did not know what to do with. So, I reckon it is time to revisit some lost loves. Oh yes, I can draw…and I can also paint. Go figure…Pastor Painter can paint. Either way this transition is exciting. I also picked out stickers for my future voice students. Tonight I am working on my future voice studio…. writing letters for the parents, making a schedule, sorting through music. All the while more and more excited for the next day at internship. I am blessed. Blessed to be part of Crossroads Church. Blessed to learn from inspiring leaders. Blessed to be part of a group of musicians that know the value of their gifts and talents and bless the Kingdom through worship…and the occasional Keith Urban song. J I am blessed to use music to teach, even when God called me into the church and not a school.
Believe God has the best for you…and His way is best. It will not always be perfect…but it will be worth every second you put into it.
Eph. 1:2-6
