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Topic: Teachers (07/12/04)
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TITLE: B for Blessing By Holly Payne 07/15/04 |
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When the summer semester ended days before, I had received my master's degree. After graduation, I felt a sense of accomplishment, but at the same time, I was anxious about the future. My plan had been to attend a larger university and obtain a doctorate immediately, but much to my disappointment, I had been notified I would not be accepted for the upcoming fall. I had prayed for God's will to be done, knowing that if He did not want me on that path, He would close the door. Until then, things had seemed to be going in my favor, so when the door closed suddenly, I was stunned. For the first time in a long time, I felt directionless.
After an initial period of confusion, I started looking for other options. Very near the end of my last semester, I was invited to interview for a job as an instructor for my university on a one-year basis. Figuring the interview could be God's answer to my prayers for a new direction, I went. Within days, I had taught a sample lesson, and was hired. Now I was in my own office with a stack of syllabi to give to my first class of college students.
"Lord, please help me do this," I prayed silently. "If this is where you want me, please let me impact these kids for You."
With a last glance at my watch, I gathered my papers and rolled down the hall. I have used a power wheelchair since I was about nine. At fifteen months old, I was diagnosed with a disease that affects motor neurons, hindering muscle development. About one in 6,000 babies is affected. The most severe variety is diagnosed early, and my parents were told since my diagnosis came when it did, my life span would be no more than three years. Fortunately, they never treated me as a weakling waiting to die. I was encouraged from then on, and over a quarter of a century has come and gone since that grim diagnosis. My disability has never seriously slowed me. On the contrary, it probably has been the very thing pushing me to do my best. But on that morning as I whirred into a roomful of unfamiliar faces, I wondered if I had made the right decision. Would students accept me? Would they feel uncomfortable? Would I have trouble relating to them?
"Good morning!" I greeted, a new adventure beginning.
That first semester, I stayed busy learning. Sometimes it felt overwhelming, but to my relief, no students questioned my abilities. The initial surprise I had seen on their faces was soon replaced by respect. My fears about being able to communicate effectively turned out to be totally unfounded. In fact, I managed to establish a strong rapport very quickly. I had always thought I'd enjoy teaching and soon confirmed my belief.
At the end of that academic year, my contract was renewed, and has been each year since. Many of my first students have graduated, and those still on campus are nearing graduation. In a recent semester, I watched one group working to complete a project. They were genuinely having a good time, and I motored through the room, answering questions as they arose. When no one was asking, I was busy observing each intent face. In those moments, I was overwhelmed with compassion for them. Every student in every class has been special to me. Each one has impacted me forever in some way, and in a sense, I will carry each in my heart for the rest of my life.
Upon looking back, God's plan has been such a blessing in my life. The disappointment I felt from the change in my plans has long since faded. When I was confused at that uncertain moment in time, God set me on a more amazing path than my own. In a completely unexpected way, He showed me that my "Plan B" is really His "Plan of Blessing."