If I tell the story of how I came into ministry, I can tell you what time of the year it was, where I was standing, and what I was doing. When I was a little girl, I was the only one of my siblings that would tell anyone who would listen that I was going to be a teacher one day. If you ask my parents they will tell you my most prized possession was a little chalkboard that I would set up on a chair, then line all my stuffed animals on the ground and “teach” them whatever I wanted to teach. Being a teacher was something I always just felt was a part of me.
Fast forward to when I was in college, and trying to get into the School of Education. A darn math test prevented me from getting into the school because no matter how hard I tried, I could not pass that darn test. After failing that math test for the State of Michigan for the fifth time, I remember standing in my kitchen about to cry my eyes out yet again when my mom stopped and said, “Maybe God is calling you to become a different type of teacher.” I remember in my room that night telling God that I was not about to follow any other plan than being a teacher. Well we all know how that goes when we try to tell God OUR plans. From that day forward, I was set on a youth ministry journey and it has been the greatest journey of my life. All those years ago, my mom was a vessel for Christ to show me there was another path God was calling me down rather than the traditional classroom.
In these past years, I have been able to minister to youth and families all over the United States, in my hometown of Michigan and even outside of the country. I have learned, grown and loved each milestone no matter how short or long it was.
Today in the Gospel of Mark, we see the mission of the Disciples of proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom and that this mission and gift is given to all of us. In the parables that Jesus uses, His teaching speaks to each of us that if we have the smallest of faiths (like a mustard seed) we can change the world for good. Sometimes when I think back on my life the urn to have been a teacher still sits upon my heart, but I have great joy in teaching and discipling young people and their families on the Kingdom of Heaven and the greatness of God.
So as you go about your day whether you are walking around the farmers market, or sitting around the campfire, know those little acts of love and kindness you show to those around you will spread into the world so that together we can be an outward sign of the greatness of God and the beauty of the Kingdom of Heaven.
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