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.