un·pre·dict·a·ble
It’s 6am.
The phone rings.
“Hello?”
“This is the YRDSB calling for ‘Laura Apperley’. We have a supply assignment available.”
A few months ago, I had a very troubled mind and a weary heart. I longed to see my career dreams come true.
One night, a very dear friend turned my frustrations into an important prayer. Not two days later, I received an email offering me an interview for a position as an occasional elementary teacher. Two weeks later, I was hired. Wow.
In retrospect, it seems so silly of me to have worried, when I know I am held in the hands of an all-powerful God. But, we all get caught short-sighted sometimes – making our own plans, while unable to see the big picture.
When that first call came in, I was over the moon. For the first time ever, I was going to teach a classroom full of seven- and eight-year-olds all by myself. I’ve had quite a few people ask me if I was nervous, but I can honestly say, not at all. It seems that all of my nerves were pushed aside by excitement. This is what I had been working towards for basically my entire life.
Supply teaching is like an unpredictable buffet. A little bit of this, a little bit of that.
In the words of Forrest Gump, “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
I’ll admit, I’ve had those nights where I dread the calls to come, fearful that they will offer a job entirely out of my comfort zone. But so often in these short few months, I’ve seen the hand of God leading me forward step-by-step.
I started out right where I feel most qualified: primary. But then, slowly, but surely, I’ve had calls that require me to teach everything from Kindergarten to Grade 8 in one day. I’ve dipped my toes in Intermediate, French Immersion, and Special Education. So many things that I never thought I could do.
It keeps me on my toes, such that relying on God is the only way to remain steady. Instead of allowing anxiety to creep in, I lean a little more on His strength.
No matter what the day holds, I always come home feeling accomplished. I have a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that I’m doing exactly what God has called me to do. I’ve discovered my purpose, and the joy is almost indescribable.
In the past month, I have learned so much more than any university course could ever teach me, and I cannot wait to see what’s next.
~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~