Looking Up

My taking my Praxis (teacher professional) exams this summer has confused a lot of my non-teaching friends. We have to take and pass Praxis before our senior year; they assume I must be done if I'm taking professional exams. As a result, I'm getting asked one question a lot:

"Where are you going when you graduate?"

And where, indeed? There are any number of positions--this year, at least. I've already been all but formally invited to teach in three separate conferences. Then there are my friends overseas; at least two of them have also invited me to come, provided a place opens up.

So far I have one answer: "I don't know."

Followed by: "I'm praying God will make it very clear, 'cause I just want to go where He wants me to!"

A cop-out? Perhaps some would think so. I know some of my extended family is still hoping I will start making more concrete plans! But I see no other way. I went into teaching to be "on the ground" in mission work, and how can you be a missionary if you're not following where God leads?

I have a little mental image I use to remember how I'm choosing to go about life these days (I'm a very visual person!): I envision myself walking in the desert, my eyes upward and my hands raised and open--looking and waiting for God's leading, voice, and yes, His gifts too (he loves to give them!). Honestly? It's exciting. I can't wait to be able to look back and see exactly how He guided everything and fit everything together. It's going to be amazing!

I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O'er mountain or plain or sea;
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord;
I'll be what You want me to be!