Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Finding what you are made for

Are you made to be a teacher?
Maybe a mother?
Are you made to be a mentor?
Maybe a friend?
Are you made to be a good neighbor?
Maybe a coach?
Are you made to be a singer?
Maybe a song writer?
Are you made to be an administrator?
Maybe a principal?
Are you made to be a chef?
Maybe a family cook?
Are you made to be a chauffeur?
Maybe a bus driver?
Are you made to be a writer?
Maybe a blogger?
Are you made to be an athlete?
Maybe a runner?
Are you made to be a caretaker?
Maybe a nurse?
Are you made to be an artist?
Maybe a painter?
Are you made to be a listener?
Maybe all of the above at times.

This past Sunday, I was listening to a sermon about what we are made for. I sat at church thinking about my life as a teacher. Am I where I need to be at this time of my life? The answer is, "YES!" I am a teacher, at my school, with my specific students. I am doing what I am supposed to be doing at this time in my life. Could it be, that there is even more for me?? I don't know. But for now, I am content to be a teacher, an educator, a blogger, a friend, a coach, a mother, a listener, a mentor, and all of the many things that being a teacher means.

Frederick Buechner defines vocation: "Vocation is where your deep gladness meets the world's hunger." I was asked to think what I am passionate about. Well, the answer to that was easy; I am passionate about English Language Learners! Making sure that they learn English, succeed in school, become contributing members of our society, and find their own vocation--their own passion for life.

I am also passionate about writing when my students write, giving them an example. I am passionate about reading when my students read (during quiet reading of course), so that my students will see a teacher reading, not just correcting papers. I am passionate about finding ways that I can help my students learn. Sometimes this means that I need to learn something new--like how to use my new smartphone:) It is also knowing that this is my calling that brings great satisfaction and joy to my life. I don't think that I would be an educator if it would not bring joy into my life.

What are you made for? What are you passionate about? What do you feel called to do? I would love to hear your thoughts.

If you would like to listen/read the message that I listened this Sunday, you can find it here.

21 comments:

  1. Passion does drive us in many directions. I am passionate about getting books into kids hands and letting them tell their stories through writing. I need to be more passionate about exercise. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you! I need to get more passionate about exercise as well!

      Delete
  2. Your passion for helping your students shines through many of your blog posts.
    I am a teacher for sure. I hope that when my girls choose jobs they can follow their passion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish that my daughter will also find her passion in life.

      Delete
  3. Exercising passion is the best prayer we can do for ourselves and the world. You've certainly found a path for yourself and are helping others find theirs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! It is exciting to see others (often my students) find their own passion in life.

      Delete
  4. I think it's such a gift to oneself to look upon the work one does as a vocation - how lucky to wake up every day knowing that you have a psssion for what you do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When the tough times or tough students come, it is helpful to have passion and joy! I count myself very lucky!

      Delete
  5. Seven years ago while thinking about returning to school to become a teacher, I prayed and prayed for guidance. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. Then one Sunday, our priest was talking about listening to God's calling. The only words I remember was "maybe you are called to become a teacher." That was the answer I had been praying and waiting for, and I have never regrettted it! I hadn't thought about this story for awhile....might have slice potential! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leigh Ann, you need to write that story! I want to read it! It appears that your story is begging to be told!

      Delete
  6. I love the question, "What are you made for?" It can really get you thinking about life in so many ways. I am going to check out the sermon this weekend.

    I'm glad you're doing what you're made for, Jaana. Thanks for this inspiring post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad I am working with students who inspire me every day!

      Delete
  7. Love your post today! Thanks for the inspiration! I will tuck this away for a slice another day! I am glad you were made to be a blogger and a poet today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Beth! I look forward reading your future slice!

      Delete
  8. Thank you for sharing the sermon. I will listen later this week. Your students will learn, because you care. You are all this and so much more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pamela! Enjoy the sermon while you paint!

      Delete
  9. I love that quote and am writing it in my journal. I'm glad you shared it. I've been thinking lots along similar lines of this question and beginning to wonder if maybe, just maybe, we can be called to something new in the middle of a favorite career. Thanks for adding some layers to my thinking.
    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ruth, I believe that our calling can change. Keep your heart open--amazing things can happen!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Your post reminds me of Mary Oliver's Summer Day, and her question at the end: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/133.html. I agree that you can change passions, and keep trying/learning new things. One's approach to life changes too, and one can finally realize it's not so hard to branch out, to discover new ideas. Thanks for starting this thinking, Jaana!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm sorry that I missed this post, Jaana! I've been so behind on slices... working like crazy... but so happy, because I, too, am sure that I'm doing what I'm made for. Love this job. Love these kids. I'm more confident of that every day.

    You and I are so much alike, I think. Maybe we can Skype sometime soon! :-)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment. Please stop by again.