Tuesday, May 4, 2010

When I grow up...

“I want to be a paramedic…” (That was back in the day, after watching episodes of “Emergency” … Squad 51, station 51...) “I want to be a nurse… a veterinarian… a writer… a wife...a mommy… a singer.” My childhood aspirations changed weekly; sometimes daily, depending on which television show I was into.

By the time I got into high school, I was split between two ambitions; a Writer/Journalist or a Social Worker. When I volunteered as a candy striper at the local hospital, I added pediatric nurse to my list of future ambitions. Although my college endeavors rested on Writer/Journalist, my heart always clung to my other childhood longings. It’s funny how God used circumstances in my life so that I could experience the very things I wanted to be when I was little. When a baby robin fell from its nest and my sister and I tried frantically to nurse him back to health, I was actually living for a moment as a veterinarian and a nurse. (I am not at all making light of the true professionals who work feverously as doctors and nurses.) I’m finally realizing how God has provided multiple opportunities to live out some of my childhood dreams.

I did become a wife, (married 26 years to my high school sweetheart), and a mommy. (Three wonderful kids, 3 dogs, 2 birds and a tank full of tropical fish) and a writer. But, during those times which were filled with joys, sorrows, and happiness, I was blessed with opportunities to live my ambition of being, as they say, “Like God, with a face.” When I assisted my dad in providing food to the homeless, comforted a woman who lay injured from a car accident, nursed a sick child, taught Sunday School and sung in the church choir… All were blessed moments to fulfill my life as God desired of me. Of course, when I fumed at the driver who cut me off in traffic, or argued with my husband over petty, little things, I was far from being Christ-like. During those times, being like my heavenly Father was the farthest thing from my mind. I became side-tracked and way off-course.

But, with God’s grace and divine forgiveness, I am provided a chance to have a “do-over” an opportunity to follow His path, His guidance and direction. I doubt I’ll ever have the experience to perform open heart surgery, or become an airplane pilot, but I have found contentment in what He has called me to do right now as a wife, mother, Magazine Editor, and Outreach Coordinator. Is it possible that my roles might eventually change? Yes. I may one day be called to serve as a missionary or an instructor, but if those opportunities ever arise, I pray that I’ll willingly and obediently accept His leading.

What about you? Are you living and doing what He desires of you “when you grow up?” Have you discovered moments of being exactly what you wanted to be when you were a kid? I’d love to hear your story.

15 comments:

  1. Being that you are my twin sister, you know that I wanted you and I to be singers. We had dreams of traveling the concert circuit. Although it didn't happen (yet) we still the fun of working well together on different projects.

    I love drawing and writing so I know that that is where God has placed me at this point in my life.

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  2. You're Simone's twin and she said you had a blog, so I had to follow along. I always wanted to be a housewife. Not a lofty goal, but attainable. And I'm happy to say: mission complete!

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  3. Hi Syrone,
    I'm here from Simone's blog. She mentions you frequently so i had to come and meet you when she said you were blogging.
    Very interesting post! It's true that we live out those childhood desires in small ways.
    I always wanted to be a Mom and a nurse, and I am both of those things!

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  4. Hi Syrone - Found you through your sister's blog...glad to meet you! I am finally living my life-long dream...after raising my daughter as a single parent, seeing her marry a wonderful man and have two beautiful children, I realized that this was "my time"...so, I have pursued my college education, and will graduate this May...and then on to the teaching credential program...I'm 58 years young, and believe that God's timing is perfect...I'm on my way to being what I always wanted to be...a teacher! OX

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  5. Hello stopping by from Simone's blog! Still trying to figure out my dream...I hope to some day.

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  6. Syrone, you have a beautiful name. Your sister said come on over and here I am, happy to meet you. One of my dreams has been fulfilled, to write my first book and have it published, and now a goal is to have my second book published. Both of my books have Christian themes.

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  7. Hi Syrone! I came from Simone's blog. I'm still trying to figure out my dream!

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  8. This Ozark farm chick is 57 years and still growin'. I have a new day every morning with new dreams. I am a retired Special Ed instructor, I teach a Pre-teen Sunday School class and am the Kid's Church leader. I'm married to the love of my life of 37 years and have two children and eight grandchildren. I'm not sure we every stop dreamin' or grow up. Heeehehehe!

    From the happy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa, ya'll have a wonderfully blessed day!!!

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  9. Nice to meet you! I am a writer and my twin is a social worker! We now work together in ministry. I see that you are the Executive Editor of Hope for Women Magazine! I love your magazine! I have an email magazine and I added your magazine link to the 'Resource Section' on our last issue.

    I hope to see you more often in the bloggy world!!!

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  10. Well I came over from your sister's blog. Just met her today. Nice to meet you. Your life sounds wonderful. I always wanted to me a mom when I grew up. Married at 21 but didn't have any children for 7 years. He left after 11 years but after six years we got back together and have been for 21 years now. I feel in a rough patch so working on a do over with him is just what I need to do. (I think I need to do The Love Dare) Anyway I had a lightbulb moment almost a year ago and have been working on something that I was dreaming of doing for 10 years. My other blog is called For Your Tears and I touch the hearts of women who have lost a child. I will be back to visit with you and wish you joy with your blog. I know my blog has given me a new lease on life. God Bless You.

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  11. This post was so good to read today. Very convicting and powerful.

    Welcome to blogging. I hop you have a wonderful time and meet lots of great girls. It might take a while at first to build a following, but it will be worth it : )

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  12. Hello Syrone, I have hopped over here from sister Simone's blog. It is nice to meet new friends!! xoxo

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  13. Stopping over from Simone's blog to say hello. :)

    I had both lofty and humble dreams... and the one that I never "dreamed" that I'd become? I am now. A mother. And I feel so blessed to be one. :)

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  14. Simone sent me over to say hello. I can tell you are sisters. You both have a wonderful way with words!

    My dreams have always stayed pretty constant. I love being a wife to the guy I married 29 year ago and a mom to two great kids. Life is good!

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  15. Stopping by from Simone's to say hello. I feel like I already kind of know you through her but I will definitely be back again soon to get to know you better.

    Happy Mother's Day!
    jj

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