I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself as a “type A” personality, but I am unarguably ambitious and determined. I am the type of person that makes things happen…within reason, of course. Anyways, for this personality, control is always an issue, or should say lesson? Have you been there before? Desiring control? If you are shaking your head no, please contact me and share your secret, because I would love to experience that freedom!
The Lesson is in the process
Over the last several months, control has been my biggest lesson. It started, honestly, as an issue because I could not get where I wanted to in the timing, I thought was right. Control was out of my hands. Let me tell you a story for context…
Up until a few weeks ago, I made a living, pursuing my calling as a special education teacher. I discovered this was my ‘calling’, just a few short years ago. Through trial and error, I found my sweet spot in behavior management. Why? I was fascinated with figuring out how to change the situation or environment in order to have the outcome I needed. What does that boil down to? Control.
Since this was my comfort zone, control came naturally when transitioning into my pursuit of overseas. I believe my calling was two-fold. Teaching and overseas. So almost six years ago, I began these pursuits. Teaching happened quickly, overseas took much longer. It was not in my control. It was in His. His lesson for me in the lack of control, was “Lauren, trust me in the waiting.”
Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible.
Mandy Hale
Trust the Wait
Trust is not always easy to learn or give. When the planned two years multiplied to almost six years of waiting, my faith was tested, my relationships were challenged, and my “calling” was questioned. How do I trust the process of waiting when I am questioning my own purpose?
Trust is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone…”. When God is the One you are putting your trust in, your reliance on His character, ability, and strength is assured. His Word proves that. Since I believed His Word was true, there was no reason for me to doubt the plan He had for me. The plan for me to wait.
Do I know every reason of why I needed this extended process? No. Did I see all that He saved me from, working in my strength and control? No. Will I ever know? Maybe not, I don’t know. However, I do believe that the waiting process taught me far more, than if I had already gotten to my destination overseas.
What we are waiting for is not as important as what happens to us while we are waiting. Trust the process.
Mandy Hale
Check Your Personality AT the Door
The waiting process was part of the journey for me. I needed to check my attitude and strong-willed personality at the door and walk by faith! The process taught me more about who God is and what I am not. I learned to pick my battles and say “no” to things that are not in my control, not my thing. Now, as I get to the destination, my process is far from over. This is just me merely crossing the threshold. Will you join me in seeing what the rest of the journey brings?