The Next Chapter

Sometimes life's directions are curious things. The way a person thinks they have planned their life rarely, if ever, is the actual course they end up taking. Growing up I never would have dreamed or imagined the direction my life has taken me. I never would have imagined moving to Washington DC. I never would have dreamed of working for the Republican Party and then the President. I never would have imagined moving back to Illinois after leaving it; never would have expected to work for an architectural and industrial engineering frim. And never in my wildest dreams would I have come up with the latest adventure I am about to set out on. I guess in many thing I should really just give up "planning" my life myself, because it is obvious to me that God often has a different plan for me then what I would ever expect.

Some of you may be aware that I have accepted a teaching position at Calvary Academy in Springfield. I am to have the great privilege of teaching History and Government in my former high school. I am to begin this new adventure on November 7, 2005. If you would have asked me on Monday of this week what I thought Tuesday and Wednesday would bring, I can guarantee you an offer of a teacing position wouldn't have made my top 1,000 possiblities. Not because I haven't wanted to do something like this, but because it would never occur to me that anyone would want me to.

The funny thing is that if I take a step back and look at the last 10 years of my life (probably longer than that, but I have limited space here) it is amazing to see the way things have worked out to bring me to this place. From my years in DC, which cultivated and expanded my love for all things historical and political, to the last 3 years which have given me the opportunity to get certain things in order that make a move like this possible. And those are just the most obvious things that leap to mind! If I ever doubted the truth in Psalms 37:23 (look it up! I'm practicing!), looking back at the direction of my life would erase all doubt. There is no way in my own strength or desire I could have directed things the way they have been directed. God is in control, and I see His hand in my life - even in the times when I may not have been looking for it. Even in the times when I made choices and decisions that may not been in His Plan; He truly controls and directs my life. THANKFULLY!

I am truly looking forward to this next chapter. There is so much to do in the next few weeks - get my apartment rented and find a home for my 2 cats (if you know of anyone who wants a couple of angel kitties, let me know), get packed, make sure I leave my current job in good shape, and of course, go on vacation with Erica. And I am anxious about them all, but I know that things will work out just the way they are supposed to. I am excited to be able to share with you all how things are going. I would ask for your prayers as I beign this new and exciting (and scary at times I'm sure) ride. I'm looking forward to seeing what He has in store for me next!

God Bless!