Skip to main content

Passion Pursued…

I have two great passions… English and theatre. Over my thirteen years as a teacher, ten of those years have been spent enjoying my passion for theatre. And then God told me to unveil my heart through writing. Juggling the demands of home, ministry, and work has become a struggle. My creativity and inspiration for writing has suffered because so many of my work days are used to think and problem-solve through a theatrical perspective, leaving nothing for my writing. Over this school year, I have toyed with the thought of returning to my reading and writing roots. And then God opened a door.

Next school year, I will return to eighth grade English and language arts. This decision was not made lightly. I contacted faithful, praying women to ask God to confirm my next step. When God orders your steps, He lets you know.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalms‬ ‭37:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There will be challenges with this new job, as there are with any job. Leaving a program and the kids that have been such a tremendous part of my life is bittersweet. But God doesn’t order my steps and forsake theirs. I am excited to embrace my position and now be able to share my love of reading and writing with the same students I have nurtured as young performers. The first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning, God created.” (Genesis 1:1) Creativity is engrained in us because it is in the very nature of God. I’m grateful to be in a position to share varying forms of creativity with students.

This call to write was unexpected. God likes to surprise us sometimes. I’m grateful that He is still growing and stretching me. As I follow His leading, I’m humbled  and in awe that he would un-break me and use me.

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah‬ ‭29:13

Where does God want to take you? If you aren’t sure, ask Him. He doesn’t hide His plans from us when we are chasing His will. Have you gotten too comfortable? Maybe God wants to stretch you in new and unexpected ways. If you’re ready for that, buckle up! It’s going to be a great ride.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Feelings and Faith

Vulnerable moment: it’s been a crazy week. If I’m being honest, the last six months or more have been wrought with uncertainty and so many questions within myself about my purpose.  I’ve been in a season of transition in our family with adapting to having an independent adult child and an independent teenage son-both of whom are thriving. So my purpose as a mom has shifted into steadfast support and guidance from a distance rather than rushing to the rescue, which I know is where we should be with them. This shift has adjusted our marriage. Lyndon and I are both learning how to navigate this new territory, and I’m so grateful we have each other.  My Daddy died suddenly last year, and I am still grieving the unexpected loss and what could have been. Grief is a strange journey and differs for everyone. What I know is Christ gives me the most profound peace when I feel my turbulent heart trying to sway me. But it certainly is a sadness that is layered. Because of these major life...
Post a Comment
Read more

He’s Already Heard My Prayer

This is one of the most difficult pieces to write. My dad, Steve, passed away this morning unexpectedly. He was the “Music Man” in my world who made life a song.  Daddy was responsible for putting me on the stage. At two years old, he stood me on the altar at church so everyone could watch me sing “Victory in Jesus.”   At twelve, he was teaching me how to set up equipment and mix sound. As a teenager, we wrote songs together. His love of music is so deeply ingrained in me that I feel a piece of that is somehow missing now. Things were not always great between me and Daddy. In fact, we went for a long time without having contact with one another. I’m so grateful that God restored our relationship in his final years. Neither one of us were perfect in our relationship, but I always loved him deeply. So today, I’m heartbroken. Memories are flooding my mind, and there are so many things I still wanted us to share. I know the coming days will be filled with waves of grief and the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Favorite Things

  With Valentine's Day coming up, I've been thinking about the "stuff" that I really like. Flowers are great, and jewelry is nice. But if you want a friend gift or something a little more unique, here are a few ideas. Perhaps this post will help you shop for the perfect gift that will become a "favorite thing." For the Music Lover If you are purchasing for a musician or vocalist, you have a ton of options including a guitar pick necklace or keyring to tickets for a concert. Even vintage gifts like records have made a strong comeback in the music community. Things to consider when purchasing for your musical genius: what is their favorite genre? Who is their favorite artist? Before buying that album, make sure they don't already have it. For the Teacher I can tell you most assuredly what many teachers DON'T need: another mug. Even though this seems like a simple, cute gift, as a teacher, I have difficulty parting with any gift from students. I have ...
Post a Comment
Read more