Destinations
- mel96066
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
I opened the letter and was reduced to tears.
“Even though you’re a substitute teacher you’ve been so much more than that. You always show up with a smile, treat every with kindness and make a classroom a positive space.”
My hand covered my mouth as I continued, the words filling my soul with awe.
I’d been invited to be honored at a teacher appreciation night.
See. There’s more than one way to use your skills.
I loved directing in church ministry. I loved lesson planning and finding way to make stories relevant in an engaging way. I loved creating a safe environment where all would know their worth. I loved work with passionate youth and adult volunteers. I hold on to this season with gratitude.
Behold, I’m doing a new thing. (Isaiah 43:19)
The call into a new direction was loud and clear. It was time to get the mother-daughter Bible Study in print and open a faith-formation ministry so anyone from anywhere could utilize lessons and ministry materials I’d been producing all along.
It was and is an incredible joy knowing my creativity and plans are giving faith a pulse in homes and congregations across the United States.
I continued to volunteer in church, but I craved more interactions with the kids.
“’For I know the plans for you,’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
So, when my youngest suggested I substitute teach at her middle school I jumped. It was the perfect opportunity to lead youth AND capitalize on time my daughter desired with me.
I love her school and only being there allowed me to form relationship with the students and staff.
Holy ground.
Like working in the church, each day is an opportunity to make students feel valued.
Like working in the church, each day is an opportunity to lesson plan and teach in a way that translates relevance + brings joy.
Like working in the church, each day is an opportunity to give thanks for other leaders and the gifts they bring to the team.
The lessons taught and words surrounding them are different, but the holy ground it is to share space with students who carry stories and questions and desire to draw connections is the same.
When we enter a destination in our cell phone maps it always offers us three ways. Each journey is slightly different with varying pros and cons but all lead to the same point.
From the heart of a student, written words confirmed in my soul that God can do the same for us.
It is reminder of opportunity and the constant need to lean in and listen to exactly which path we are called to at a given time.
You never know what will happen. :)
xx Melissa Nesdahl
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