Befuddling Directional Shifts
Have you ever been befuddled by a directional shift? One moment you’re whistling a happy tune, rambling along your usual way, when POW! Circumstances send you off on an unexpected diversion, or something new calls to you and you just can’t seem to help yourself. Off you go to explore an unfamiliar path.
Befuddling directional shifts seem to be standard operating procedure for me. In fact, I often suspect my Creator has something to do with some of these odd occurrences.
For example, I lurch left, going off in some innovative tangent, convinced my talents would be better served in some new project, and then, to my surprise, He redirects me back to the profession that stretches my heart far more than it stretches my mind—education.
Recently, I assisted a planning day for a group of teachers. All of these stellar individuals care for kids and give far beyond the required time and energy needed to teach struggling readers.
So as I listened to their stories, heart-wrenching accounts of youth having to endure far more than we adults could handle, I marveled at the privilege it was to serve as their facilitator.
I also couldn’t help but think: I can’t believe my path ended up this way.
You see, I was so sure I would retire early and pursue my writing and art fulltime that I wasn’t looking for this new job opportunity when it was posted online.
Yet, I’ve never enjoyed such a sense of satisfaction as I have while working at my new job as a Middle School Support Specialist.
Sure, I’ll still move forward, slowly, and publish my other manuscripts. I’ll still create art and post “How to” lessons online, but just for today, I’m welcoming God’s heart stretching, the building of capacity in me, this redirection into working with teachers who are helping struggling learners.
Befuddling directional shifts.
They come along when you least expect—most often when you don’t feel prepared.
They weave your life’s themes through the tapestry of everyday.
They tug on your heart until your mind and body follow.
So when life takes you on a new tangent you would never have dreamed up yourself, go with the flow.
Perhaps your heart will wander to what brings you the greatest soul satisfaction.
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