It’s official! I am now a graduate
of Montana State University-Bozeman with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary
Education. The week after graduation, I came home and subbed several days.
After subbing in the middle school, I have decided that the lesson planning
would be much easier, but I would not be able to handle the students. The poor
kids are so awkward, haha. It helps me better understand myself at that age. I
also feel sorry for my parents.
Anyways,
I then went to China for two and a half weeks. It was truly an amazing trip. We
were specifically helping out in an English Training Center. Basically, for two
whole weeks, we simply made friends with Chinese students and hung out with them
from morning ‘til night. They asked us questions varying from, “Do you have a
boyfriend?” to “What do I do with evolution and creationism?” and more. The
hunger for the knowledge of Christ was so constant in many of the students. For
those who are wondering, it’s not illegal to be a Christian in China. It’s just
illegal to share your faith for the purpose of converting people. If the Chinese students brought it up and
asked us questions, it was okay for us to answer. And ask questions, they did!
Has God
ever showed you that He’s got more work to do on you? I feel like that was
partially what the China trip was about for me. From the beginning of the trip,
our team leader, jokingly, but seriously, told us that our theme for the trip
would be, “flexibility.” Boy, oh boy, was that prophetic. From luggage mishaps to unplanned airport
sleepovers to relentless rain, we had to be flexible. To be honest, before we
left the U.S., I felt like I had really matured and come a long way in my faith
over the last few years. And I was really kind of proud of it. Over the course
of the trip, I was tested in many areas. I found out that I haven’t conquered
my quick-temper, or my judgmental attitude, or….well, the list goes on. I feel quite humbled. God used this trip to
show me that although I have come a long way, I’m not all the way there yet…not
even in a few things. I think the problem was that I was taking credit for the
things He was doing in me. God is the one who has been helping me conquer all
these areas of weakness. Without Him, I would never have gotten as far as I
have. That’s a truth I need to remember, forever and always. I am so thankful
that He would love the mess that I am and continue to mold me. When I get out
of line, He has to remold me, maybe even take a glob of clay out. One of the
facts that amazes me is that even though it hurts when He has to get me back in
line, it’s so good in the end.
Lately,
God has been placing Psalm 37:4 on my heart, “Take delight in the Lord and He
will give you your heart’s desires.” I know what He is speaking to. What I am
struggling with is putting some of my desires down and just focusing on and
delighting in my relationship with Him. I am trusting that He will help me do
this. I want His desires to be my desires. What could be better than that? To
be given the desires of God’s own heart, can you imagine how fulfilling and
amazing that is?
He’s such a good, loving God. So
full of wisdom and knowledge and power. I am so thankful He chose me to be His
daughter and bride. This summer is going to be good. J
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