Last night was a literal dream come true, one that exceeded my expectations and dreams for my career. My students showcased their artwork at the year-end Fine Art Showcase at Bourgade Catholic High School. A beautiful display of their creativity was on display for the entire school, parents and family to see and experience.
At the end of the evening, the Fine Arts staff was called up one by one to be recognized by the Dean of Students; with just one bouquet of flowers remaining, I wondered who they might be for; it didn’t dawn on me that I’d be the last name to be called up. Yet, I heard my name announced in disbelief as I walked up to accept the token of gratitude and appreciation from the faculty and school.
I had been so focused on getting the show put together and ready in a short amount of time that I had forgotten about the hard work it took to bring it to life; it was an unexpected yet welcome surprise to be shown such appreciation for my hard work. Work I didn’t even expect to be doing.
Setting sights on your dreams
Over a year ago I wrote down what I wanted for my dream career; I was still confused and unsure of what I’m meant to do—all I was certain of is I’m meant to work with children. But sure enough I wrote down Art Teacher. I honestly didn’t believe I could teach full time and handle the work load, responsibility or grading. But, I knew I loved teaching and my inner dreamer set my sights higher despite my lack of confidence in my abilities.
A year before this, while working a design job that left me overly stressed, anxious and drained, I prayed for a sabbatical; God answered my prayer, providing me with everything I needed for extended time off, funds and guidance for my next steps. I had to lose that job for this prayer to come to fruition, but I didn’t see it as a loss; I saw it as a blessing. God absolutely used this loss in my life to bless me and redirect me toward a better path.
I spent my sabbatical digging deep and determining what my intention and purpose was all about; just as I had known for many years, I was meant to work with children. I had veered from that path by taking a design job that provided security and safety but failed to fulfill my purpose in life. Coming back to my intentions, I realized I was being gifted the opportunity to take a swift turn at this fork in the road and veer from my former career toward what God had planned for me as part of my life purpose.
I wrote down my intentions and gave the how, when and where to God, believing my intention- the why to my what - would be the guiding talisman to my next steps.
Before too long, my intention led me to a teaching opportunity at a local Catholic prep school as the substitute art teacher (I had been substitute teaching in 2019 prior to taking my design job), taking the seed God planted and fertilizing it. I began to see my dream as an actual possibility as God placed me in the actual job I’d dreamt of in order to confirm my dreams possibilities and my capabilities. Because I doubted my ability to be a full time teacher and lacked the confidence in my self, God used this opportunity to prove He could equip me for the job while boosting confidence in my gifts and abilities.
On the Fast track to My dream
Fast-forward many months and additional substitute teaching opportunities, I got an email that changed everything; a Catholic High School asked me to take over as their full time art teacher while the teacher recovered from an accident. Without pause, I accepted the job despite my fear and anxiety and said yes. I knew God had opened this door for me and I wasn’t about to shut it because of my self doubt and fear.
That door opened wide and I walked through into the future God had prepared for me in advance; that was seven months ago. We had our end of the year art showcase to show off the stupendous art my students have made while I’ve been with them. It’s been the culmination of the most rewarding and fulfilling and meaningful experience of my life, and my heart exploded seeing all of the students proudly exhibit their creations.
I honestly don’t know how I managed to step into all God had for me but I do know it wasn’t in my own strength because I sdointed myself all the way. But God not only equipped me but showed me this is what I’ve always been meant to do.
Don’t quit your daydream
I share my story to encourage you to not give up on your dreams. You’ve been given gifts and abilities that the world needs, and there will be a way if you believe God will open doors and provide the landscape for your dreams to come to life.
I know God made a way for me because I believed in Him and stayed focused on my dream even when I didn’t believe in myself. Throughout this journey, I learned God will use any circumstance to grow your faith and heal your self doubt and show you what purpose He made you for.
Friends, don’t give up on your dream just yet. Put it in God’s hands and watch what He does for you as you lean into faith and let Him determine your next steps.
It will not be easy to venture down the path God planned for you. Before I took my first teaching job, I had accepted a lackluster production design role that I wasn’t excited about but provided a steady paycheck but would mean giving up my dream of teaching. Although fear was driving that decision, I believed God could and would provide for me in ways that alllwed me to keep teaching (if I clung to faith and gave Him the chance).
After deep prayer and discernment, I turned down that production design job and focused all my efforts on teaching part time while working odd jobs to support myself. Looking back, I know that yes led me to the ultimate yes that birthed my dream to become an art teacher at last.
Dreams are always worth it
Your dream is always worth it, regardless of what sacrifices must be taken or discomfort that is felt or fear that will be endured. It’s all worthwhile to make God’s plan and purpose for your life a reality.
If I could speak to my younger self I would say,
“You have what it takes but more than that, God has everything you need to succeed in the purposes He has for you. All it takes is a tiny seed of faith and a vision for your dreams. You can trust that God will water your dream until you see before you the entire glorious tree.”
What I will say to you is: Keep going, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to keep your dreams alive. Pray to God to reveal His purpose to you and give you the strength to say yes to the road it takes to reach your dreams. Decide today that whatever discomfort and sacrifice comes your way that you will keep saying yes to your dreams. One day, you will be so glad you did.