Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to grow up. I had one goal in mind and that was to adopt a little nugget from Africa(since I was 5). I remember I used to sit and play with my bears. I had a white and a black bear that I loved (duh, they were my little babies). My sister and I would be mommies for hours. When I became a teenager I started working for a daycare and there I was able to work with babies, toddlers and older kids. I absolutely loved it and I loved those kids like they were my own. I would babysit for free and even now I still do. It brings me so much joy to love on kiddos and see them grow.
When I was in college I met a wonderful family The Higgins’ and I had the great opportunity to love on their twins. It’s so funny that even in dry seasons of our lives God is always giving us exactly what we need. During this time I was working at Providence Hospital as a CNA and working towards my nursing degree. I had a break before I applied for nursing school and I started American Sign Language classes and fell in love so quickly. I loved the culture and the people. I kept asking God what I should do and if I should do both. Then one day I walked into the hospital and things that had never bothered me started turning my stomach. I instantly felt the Lord telling me that being an Interpreter is where my calling was/is.
I changed my major and became an interpreter. Contrary to my previous statements, I actually only wanted to work with adults. I never wanted to step foot into a school and work with kids. So I started interpreting for a local college and enjoyed my time there. I went on to get my Bachelors in American Sign language Interpreting. I eventually decided to try my hand at K-12 interpreting. I applied and I got the job. I walked into this job anxious of what to expect but wouldn’t you know, it was exactly where I was meant to be.
There I met the one…
quiet, kind, obedient, trustworthy, scared, aiming to please and insecure in who they were. When I looked at this child I saw me (let’s be honest, I certainly wasn’t a quiet kid but I was insecure). For this child I wanted to be a better interpreter and more than that I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything I could to set them up for success. I saw all the things they struggled with a relived my own childhood. I would pray and ask God to bring break-through in certain places. Over time, I grew more and more attached and when they did well we would rejoice together and when they struggled I carried the burden with them. In interpreting, we often look at things in a “black and white” way but when you work in this type of setting, that just isn’t possible. You are literally helping mold a little person into who they will be and you set the bar for what they should expect from an interpreter. What an honor and privilege it is to work with not only this child but the entire deaf community. To be the best I can be because they deserve better.
I digress..
During this time, the student told me that they believed in Jesus and wanted to give their life to him. It was a beautiful day of tears of joy as they accepted Christ as their savior. The story doesn’t end there. You see this student had reminded me what I was here for. I was made to love others deeply and passionately, to put others before myself. To carry burdens together and celebrate when there is victory. (Galatians 6:2)
I think somewhere along the way I forgot what my purpose was and who I was. I started thinking life was about me and I was trying to find ways to make me happy. I became unhappy in my job. Then out of the least expected place, I was brought to my knees. It is so easy to take your eyes off the end point and become distracted. I am so thankful that God used a bright eyed beautiful child to speak life into my soul again. Just when I thought I was helping them they ended up helping me. On the race, I will have many opportunities to work with children and love on them. I can’t wait.
There are many “The one” out there, if we only take the time to really look.
In Mark 12:41-42
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.”
Talks about the story of the lady who gave her last dime. I used to look at this story and not really understand why he said she had given more because that logically didn’t make sense.Then one day I finally understood, it was that she had selflessly given her last dime and was happy to do so. She had given out of her need and not wealth. It’s not about how much one gives but the heart behind giving. When we are fully surrendered to God he can use us how he will. He speaks and we get to listen, what an easy job. He is a kind loving father that knows what is best for us.
I want to do the world race because I want to love others deeply, passionately and share Jesus’ love that he has showed me over and over again. I want to continue to experience and see break-through in others lives because of the LOVE of our father. He is worthy of every sacrifice there is to make and it is my honor to serve him in whatever way he calls. I have been called to the race, but I can’t do it without you. I need your help. It doesn’t matter how big or how small the gift it is.
I am so grateful for everyone reading this blog and praying with me. Thank you for praying for me and with me during this time. I so appreciate it all.
Until next time…
Lynz
