PlayDough People

Willing.
Flexible.
Obedient.

Several months ago, I learned that I would be taking on a new role at Bethany--Learning Specialist. I quickly jotted off an email to Elaine Ekstedt, a remarkable woman and former colleague at MA. We scheduled a meeting for today so that I could pick her brain in person rather than email. Meanwhile, Charice (my former principal), offered to give me a tour of South Campus. So, off I went into Minneapolis for my 9am tour. It's been one year since I walked the halls of Minnehaha Academy, and after almost 2 years of construction, I barely recognized the halls that I walked this morning! South Campus looks absolutely AMAZING! Much to my delight, LOTS of teachers were also heading into school for a technology training, so I received and gave many hugs:) A bit before 10, I headed north to meet with Elaine.

I know that God puts people into our lives at just the right moment. Although I gleaned some fantastic insights and resources for my new position, I found myself soaking up wisdom from this godly woman. Elaine and her husband have given their lives in service to the King. They haven't always been in comfortable situations and stretching their resources and time has always been a necessity. We were discussing God's plan for our lives, and Elaine shared the three words that led this blog entry. First, we have to be willing to let God change our lives; however, it's not just enough to be willing. We also need to be flexible! He may ask us to try something that we've never considered before--and haven't really been willing to try. He may use what we're willing to offer, but He may ask for more, or He may even tweak it up a bit. Lastly, we are commanded to be obedient. This is maybe the most difficult, but it's when the cost becomes great. Sure, I might be willing to try something new for the Lord, and I may be flexible and ready to "go with the flow." But will I be obedient? Will I answer the call even when I don't know where the next step will take me?

I'd like to think that I'm walking in step with the Lord as a willing, flexible, and obedient servant. After spending some time at MA and having seen so many wonderful friends and former colleagues during the past week and a half (this introvert is really stepping out these days!), I'm convinced that the Lord put a little frustration into my life in order to help move me along in His process of change. During my last couple of years at MA, things didn't always go so well. I loved my job, but I didn't always like everything that was going on internally. I was getting frustrated, and at times, I even experienced a little righteous anger:) However, I'm confident that if I hadn't been so uncomfortable, I wouldn't have been willing, flexible, or obedient to the "exotic" changes the Lord had in mind for me.

I guess I'm still on a reflective mode of blogging . . . sorry for going deep, but I'm really just so thrilled to "feel" His presence in my life. I've got some fun stories about my first week back in the US, but I'll get to those later!

Willingly, flexibly, obediently yours,
Marcy:)