People Pleaser

Hello again! I have been MIA for the last few months. Nothing too interesting has happened these past few months, but something BIG is fixing to happen in 2 weeks. What?? I will have completed my FIRST year of teaching on May 23. The countdown has begun. 

Let me just tell you what the Lord has been doing in my life lately. 

I joined First Baptist Tupelo last summer after searching for a church for several months. I knew several people that were members there and got involved in a singles Sunday school class. These people have become lifelong friends and I am so thankful for them. 

I had the opportunity to lead a DNOW small group with my good friend, Laura, back earlier in the year. We lead the 10th and 11th grade girls. After spending 2 days and 1 night with them, I felt like I had known them forever. The Lord began pricking my heart after that weekend. I knew I needed to get involved with youth, and the Lord had opened that door for me. 

First Baptist just recently added a third service. Several months leading up to the new service, each Sunday, in the bulletin, were opportunities to sign up to help teach Sunday school. I signed up to help co-teach with the 10th and 11th grade girls. Right now, I just sit and listen and help with discussion. I have already learned so much and can't wait to continue pouring into the girls that I have met. This morning, one of the teachers gave the girls an opportunity to share about what God has taught them this year since the school year is coming to an end (9 days…who's counting?) . Honestly, I hadn't really thought about what God had taught me this year up until that very moment. As you know, this was my first year of teaching, and looking back at those first few months, I am embarrassed by the way I acted. I couldn't see it then, but God had me right where he wanted me. Things are ALWAYS better in hindsight ;). If you know me, you know that I am a people pleaser. What God taught me this year is that I don't need to seek to please people. What I do need, however; is to seek and please HIM. One of my cousins gave me the reference Colossians 3:23 to read and it says:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Some days are harder than others, but this verse has been a wonderful reminder of who I am really supposed to please. I am so thankful that God taught me this valuable lesson. I am completely in LOVE with every single one of my first grade (fixing to be second grade) babies. I know that he has placed each and every single child in my classroom for a reason. For that, I am grateful.

So here is my question. Who are you seeking to please? People or your Heavenly Father?

Stay Salty,

Annie