Thursday, August 23, 2007

When I Grow Up...

A long time ago in a state far far away, I was a teacher. I went to school for many years to become a teacher, taught third grade for a while and then found myself completely burned out. While I absolutely loved my time in front of the kids actually teaching, I was completely overwhelmed with practically every other aspect of the job. Yet here I am several years, and a couple of unfulfilling jobs later wondering if I should go back to the classroom.

I miss working with kids. I miss thinking of creative ways to explain a concept so that my students walk away at the end of the day knowing more than when we started. I miss witnessing that "oh, I get it!!" moment.

So why am I still in retail? Fear. I'm afraid that teaching here would not be different enough from my experience in California and I would be just as miserable as I was there. The only thing I know with absolute certainty is that I can not continue doing what I am doing forever. I feel my gifts and talents beginning to atrophy within me.

As I continue to sort all of this out, I am open to suggestions. If you think you know what I should do with my career, please share, even if it is outlandish, even if you don't actually know me I'm open to hearing your thoughts too.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think you should be a beekeeper.

Cole

Anonymous said...

Ok seriously, I think you should go back to teaching. I think things will be completly different than in CA. You are so creative and have such a way with the kids, they are the ones missing out with you as their teacher!! I know you could do it and be so happy!!

Cole

kristin said...

You could start out as an Ed. Tech. (fancy way of saying teacher aid. :)) I did that for a year in second grade in MSAD #1 and loved it. You would get a feel for what the school system was like before actually deciding if you want to go full-time into teaching...and you still get all the benefits. Just an idea. :)

Anonymous said...

teaching tis in your blood :) Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Dearest Heather,

I did it for 11 years of my life in the classroom and have continued in my home since then--and you were one of my precious gifts as a student--go for it! Your mom is right. It is in your blood. You are patient, creative and great with kids. I've always prayed that if the Lord willed, He'd lead you back to the classroom in one setting or another. Besides, now you have a wonderful husband and you didn't before. You'd have a great ministry there as well. I'll keep praying!

Mrs. B

Christa said...

I just wanted you to know that I love you and have been thinking about you lately! Hope all is well:)
I also think that you would be a great teacher. You seem very patient and understanding, yet you can have fun and be creative as well. I think you will be great at whatever you choose to do!

Elizabeth said...

You know that we have talked together several times about this: about whether you choose to use or not to use the gifts that the Lord has placed within you...so you already know my opinion!

However, I'm quite interested in the timing of your post. I have had you and specifically your vocation heavy on my heart for over a week. I have felt a heightened burden to pray for this specific area of your life. I decided not to mention it to you right away. But I'm only now discovering your blog post, so I didn't realize you were also feeling so burdened. Consider my increased intercession as possible confirmation from the Lord that you should be looking into this!

Heather, you are beyond gifted, creative and able! Some people are made for retail. You are made to impart yourself, and Godly love into people as you teach them.

Consider the impact you can have on God's Kingdom when you are operating in the gifts that He has made you with. Consider the Godly love that you can pour into many children who don't receive enough at home.

My perspective: your teaching direction doesn't have to be in a conventional classroom, so don't box yourself in just yet. Pray that the Lord would open your perspective to more fully see how He can use you effectively and creatively. It might not be just like you've expected...

I will continue to pray. I KNOW we'll chat about this again! :)