A New Season

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Seasons come and go and this past week saw the end of one season. After almost three years of helping teach gymnastics, God has closed that door and I said goodbye to a bunch of precious children/coaches. 

I've said it here before, but I absolutely love working with and teaching children. Throughout my life, the Lord has blessed me many opportunities to work alongside kids. Whether that was teaching Bible class, helping with gymnastics, volunteering at a summer camp, or simply baby-sitting, God has given me many moments where I have had the blessed opportunity to be a positive example in a child's life. There is a weight that comes with that though. Knowing that children watch by example is HUGE - at least to me. Every week when when class would start, I would try to remind myself that some of these kids don't have both sets of parents raising them, some of them don't attend a Bible-preaching church, and some of them come from terrible backgrounds. Keeping the thought of "How can I show the love of Jesus to these kids?" really did help shifting my perspective. 

So when it came time to say goodbye, my heart was heavy with sadness. These kids, whom some challenged me in more ways than one, have left a massive hole in my heart that I don't know will ever be filled. You don't know what you have until it's gone, right?

I knew these children loved me, but to feel that love with their precious hugs, kind notes and cards, thoughtful gifts, and words of encouragement brought tears to my eyes as they all gathered around me and have me a massive group hug. I felt loved. And in that moment, I realized something: I am going to miss them more than I thought. I knew I would miss them, of course, but I had no idea until that very moment.

But in all of this, God is still good and has a plan for my life. I don't know what's next, but I am excited to know that God goes before me and He is leading me in every way. I trust my Guide. 


The picture above is just a few of the precious things the kids gifted me with. 


I am blessed beyond measure!

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