The Decision

Three things made me think about my career decisions today.  First, I received a note in the mail from my Superintendent of Schools.  It began, "I want to say a Big THANK YOU to those who faithfully maintain both State of Michigan and Denominational Certification. We appreciate so very much your efforts to fulfill your responsibility for proper certification."  Then, I thought back to a survey request earlier today from someone at my alma mater, Andrews University, that asked about "when and why do people become teachers?" Finally, I read a bulletin posting from a former student that talked about how the computer class I taught during that student’s freshman year was one of the most memorable.

These things all made me think...why did I make the decision to become a teacher and then to continue my education to become a professional school counselor.  Why?  The answer may seem simple to some but God told me to.  Back in 2001 when I was looking for a job, I avoided talking with anyone from the school where I now teach.  I didn’t want to go to BCA.  The principals kept changing.  A bunch of the faculty had left.  I prayed for a place with stability where I could serve God and use my talents to lead young people to know Christ more and give them solid math and science teaching.

God’s timing is perfect.  After interviewing at BCA and considering the other offers I had received, I saw no other choice but to accept the position of math, physics, chemistry, and computer teacher at BCA.  I remember being interviewed in front of one of the local Adventist church congregations and relating this same idea.  I didn’t know why then but I knew that God had brought me to Battle Creek.

Now I am beginning to see clearly why.  God knew that I would be given the opportunity to grow into a professional with support from the administration, coworkers, parents, students, and community members.  God knew that my commitment to providing strong academics from an Adventist worldview would be put to good use.  God knew I would have the connections necessary to finish my Masters of Arts in Counseling with a School Guidance focus because one of my coworkers had been a Bible study leader to the director of my graduate program.  Nothing happens by chance!  God knows.

I am glad that I followed God’s call in 1997 to take a year off from college and serve Him then as a Task Force assistant teacher because it changed my life. As I think about the professional school counselor and teacher I have become, God’s paths and plans become clear. As I think about the guidance I have provided to young people over the years, there is a motto in the gym of my school - Becoming Christian Adults - that comes to mind.  I am glad I made the decision to follow God’s call to guide students spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Back in 1997, a church friend of mine shared a song with me that had a line that went  something like this, "When I enter that beautiful city, and the saints all around me appear, I want to hear somebody whisper, ’It was you who invited me here.’"  That line is part of why I do what I do for young people.  It is why my decision stands strong.  The relationships I develop on earth I want to see continue in heaven.  I believe that there will be people in heaven that may not have been there if it hadn’t been for my professional career decisions.  God knew and He set the work before me to do.  I am glad I have another day to do His bidding.