Thanking Him for His Love, Provision, and Favor!

For those of you who don't know, I'm a substitute teacher.  Long story, short -- I graduated from college in 1994.  The plan was for me to be a teacher.  I changed my mind and took a detour.  I worked as an infant/toddler director for three years, then ended up being a stay-at-home-mom for 10 years.  When my little guy went to first grade, I had a lot of free time on my hands.  A close friend of mine suggested that I substitute teach.  Um, no, I don't think so.  The thought never crossed my mind.  It wasn't something that I wanted to do . . . at all.

I gave it some thought, and it turns out it's really the only thing that I could do with my degree, and I didn't want my degree to go to waste.  Right?  So I looked into it, and the rest is history.  I'm currently in my third year of subbing, and I love it!  And you know what?  I can't help but think that God's fingerprints are all over this situation.

Every time I think about it, I'm truly amazed how God used my friend to lead me right where He wanted me to be, because teaching of any kind was not even on my radar screen.  Bottom line, I had some bad experiences when I was student teaching, and the thought of being a teacher really scared me . . . we're talking major anxiety.  But I faced my fears and my anxieties with God right there by my side.  He is my strength.  He is my confidence.  The only reason I can do what I do is because of Him.  It's ALL to His glory!

Believe me when I say this, I am not in my natural comfort zone when I'm teaching, especially when other adults are in the classroom.  But the more I do it, the easier it gets, and I actually enjoy what I'm doing!  Not just for the joy that I get when I'm teaching, but the opportunity to be a light to each and every child that I come in contact with.  Without a doubt, I believe that God has placed me exactly where He wants me . . . as a wife, as a mother, and a teacher.  He has blessed me so abundantly, and every time I turn around I feel like He pours out His love to me, and lavishes me with His favor.

The other night, I got a text message from the Special Ed teacher that I often sub for, asking if I was available the next day.  Thankfully, I was, because I just love working in her class!  A few minutes later, I truly had a moment that took my breath away.  God is so good, and I felt completely  overwhelmed by His love.  With tears in my eyes, I thought about how He cares for me.  He's concerned for me.  He's a loving Father that sees to my needs.  It's hard to explain, but I just couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of GRATITUDE for His love and provision.  He's given me favor like I've never known would be possible.  It's truly amazing!  He. Loves. Me. 

He has taken a part of my life that I had turned my back on, and He has restored it.  He's given me the opportunity to contribute financially to our family, which has been such a blessing in these unsteady economic times.  He's a kind, gracious, and loving Father, and I'm so thankful that I belong to Him!

Praise the Lord that He saves, redeems, and restores!