Take the key back
My heart still leaps with joy when a child’s eyes light up as a difficult concept becomes clear. This excitement is what led me to spend nearly 15 years in education, teaching middle school math and geometry. Those years were some of the most delightful of my life. A large part of that joy came from my work at a major tutoring center, where, despite some of the less-than-pleasant administrative duties, the real reward was the profound connection with the children. My team and I were directly responsible for helping many young people move from hopelessness and despair to joy and fulfillment. In essence we witnessed their transformation.
But the emotional rewards of teaching often don’t match the financial ones. I sacrificed countless nights and a great deal of my own money to create a better experience for my students. The health benefits at the small company were expensive and subpar, and there was no financial recognition for our long hours and dedication. After eight years, I knew it was time to make a change. So, I began my search and God blessed me with a new job that offered everything the education career lacked financially, including great health and dental benefits and generous annual bonuses. I was very happy but I missed the children. Sensing my internal conflict, the owners of the tutoring center asked me to stay on as a consultant and advised that I should keep the key. This was the best of both worlds because I could continue my work with the children without the business-side pressures.
One evening on my drive home, I felt the sweet nudging of the Holy Spirit say “Take the key back”. My heart sank but I knew it was time to close that chapter. So, I returned the key. Returning that key was a deeply emotional moment. It felt like I was saying goodbye to a huge part of my identity. I can still see myself walking out for the last time, looking back, and thinking, “I am really going to miss those babies. Years later, I can reflect and smile. I see how gentle and loving God was, and how perfectly His plan unfolded for my life. That new job was an absolute blessing, not just for me, but for my family, friends, and community.
Friends, what are you holding onto that you need to release? I’ve learned that we cannot fully embrace the future while holding on to the past. The Apostle Paul taught us to not dwell on past accomplishments but to press on toward what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:13) Even good memories can hold us hostage, keeping us so focused on what used to be that we miss the greater blessings right in front of us. Don’t let anything—good or bad—rob you of the future God has for you.
Friends, John 10:10 says, “The enemy of our soul comes to steal, kill and destroy but God comes that we might have life and have it more abundantly.” Don’t allow the enemy to rob you. Stand on the truth of God’s word, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that He has a good plan for your life to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Saints, these are God’s words to us! Believe them and move forward in God. Let go of anything that is hindering you. If you are struggling, ask Him. He is both willing and able to help you.
I would love to hear about your journey. Email me at [email protected] or simply go to our contact us page.
For God’s Glory,
Tahnee
