Goodbye 2007

As I reflect on this past year, I am amazed at where the Lord has taken me. I remember the very beginning of 2007 being so distraught over what to do with my life. I was not about to make a career out of waiting tables! I then made it my goal to have a job in 6 months and sure enough, I was hired to become a Home Ec teacher to middle schoolers. What in the world? I first of all have not ever been called "domesticated." I give that title lovingly to my sister. I was always too lazy to keep my apartment clean. Teaching? I detested doing speeches in college and even more detested waiting tables and having people listen to me as I gave my spiel. I could feel my face turning red when people stared at me. Kids? I was rarely ever around children and at times, I had questioned if I really wanted kids. Junior high? 7th grade was the worst year for me. I sat alone at lunch several times because my friends had made new friends. Well, okay God. I guess this is the place where you want me. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

The spring went by as I subbed during the day and waited tables at night. Summer time came and I got the awesome opportunity to travel to Cuba. What a blessed experience to meet brothers and sisters in Christ who were so passionate about the Lord! I got to see how little the Cubans had physically but how much they had spiritually. It was also a time where the foundation was laid for some amazing friendships I so cherish today!

The fall semester started with fear, anxiety, anticipation, stress, and challenges. I had no clue how to be a teacher even though I had read books and attended classes. Nothing prepares you like the day to day experience of teaching! Boy was I put to the test! I do not think I had been challenged that much in so many aspects of my life in such a short period of time. I also do not think I have sobbed that much before either. Are you sure Lord? I asked almost everyday for 10 weeks. Yes, Heather. Stick it out. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Why did I continue to doubt God when He specifically placed me there? Why did I think He made a mistake since it was so hard? I was struggling with unbelief. I was not trusting Him. The God who sent His son to die for me. The one who had taken me out of the muck and mire of my worldly life. The one who loves me unconditionally and forgives me of my horrible sins. "Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you fight the good fight, holding onto faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith." 1 Timothy 6:18,19

I finally surrendered my fears and trusted the Lord. He then taught me so much more and I grew to like teaching. More importantly, I understood that no matter what I am doing in life, it is about being obedient to the Lord. Not questioning it. Not whining about it. Not comparing. Just doing as He says. "And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands." 1 John 1:6a.

The end of the semester wrapped up with finals and then I was off to stay with my parents in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Such a difference from Phoenix, AZ where they lived for 4 years. The blessing was in the fact that they are a quick 2 1/2 hour drive rather than a 2 1/2 hour flight away. I got to have quality time with them and also got a lot of rest. I did not talk much as I was talked out from teaching. I read a book and got to scrapbook with my mom. Christmas day was peaceful and uplifting.

I am so thankful for what the Lord has taught me through my many trials, challenges, blessings, sermons, and His true Word in 2007. I look forward to 2008 with much optimism, possibility and anticipation. I know the Lord will teach me so much if I am just willing to listen. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22