Have you ever had a moment where you had lots to say but absolutely no ability to do so? I don’t mean a “Oh, this is amazing, I’m speechless” moment…. More like a “I’m so tired that all ability to write witty prose has completely escaped me.” I would love to update the 7 people that read this blog about what madness and lunacy has occurred in my life thus far this fall, but I’m going to warn you now… I hope you’re okay with bullet points. It’s almost comical to me how much in one’s life can change so quickly. As an enormous fan of fall, I’m in love with watching the leaves change color – but I’ll tell you this, my life has changed a lot faster than those stinking leaves in the last few weeks. So much revealed. So much accomplished. A different me at the end of it.
Teaching…Did I mention I teach now? I just finished the first half of my social studies methods class and am one quad closer to starting my student teaching. I’ve been living out the educator persona a short drive north of the Twin Cities at Coon Rapids Middle School, in an 8th grade geography class; five of them to be exact - interacting with about 150 students a day. Wearing fancy clothes, pointed flats or heeled oxfords, and going by Miss Blinn two days a week has definitely been more fun than I thought. And who knew I liked geography so much. I have a fantastic cooperating teacher who is very generous with the time he allows me to teach his class instead of observing, like a an ornithologist watches birds, from the back of the room. And the best part is... I love it. I can’t wait to teach. The kids are definitely the best part, because let’s be real – geography isn’t THAT cool. At the end of the day it’s nice to know that I am a huge fan of middle schoolers. I like knowing that working with them is what my purpose is. I never though my life would come to a place where 12, 13 and 14-year-olds would be the focus of my day. I'm absolutely thrilled.
Work … The other three days of the week, when I am not teaching middle schoolers under the guise of Miss Blinn, I work at an after school program in New Brighton. There I am simply Liz… or the weird girl. Here I get to plan activities, help with homework, and learn how to do some balla dance moves from some pretty outstanding kids. Needless to say I am a pro at “The Reject.” Recently for my job, I got to chaperone a middle school dance at one of the schools in the area. BEST TIME EVER. Hahaha I’ve learned that as lame as middle schoolers would like you to think you are, they are totally faking it. That’s what I love about that age… they think you are pretty fly, they just refuse to admit it. What a treat.
Thrifting… I can’t stop. Over the past month or so I have made it my job to locate and explore uncharted thrift stores, and I have yet to leave one empty handed. My newest fashion-related addiction has been anything that says “I love the outdoors and all the creatures in it.” Particularly if it comes in forest green. And is fishing-themed. Just yesterday I added a purple, walleye-adorned sweatshirt to my collection. Yahtzee.
The serious stuff… This fall has also brought more to my life than the changing of the leaves. I’ve changed. The past month or so has been one of the most significant of my 22 years on this earth. No exaggeration. Like gold being refined in the fire, I myself have passed through flames. And found Christ on the other side. My life is a declaration of his redeeming love, and breathtaking glory. I’ll leave it at that. This blog is not big enough to support all the details. Or to accurately convey the depth of my heart. Ask me about it. I’d love to share my story with you...
So there you have it. Pieces of my fall. Do you care? Maybe not. But today I feel like such things are worth sharing. I have so much to be thankful for. And I don’t know about you, but in the spirit of Veggie Tales, “A thankful heart is happy heart…” and this one just can’t keep quiet.
