Present and Future

When I was a little girl, I wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian. I wanted to be a vet, not because of the prestige of being a doctor, but because I loved animals. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and I told them my passion, they would automatically mention this career choice. It's a common reaction when the subject of career come up . . . be a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer or maybe even the next president of the United States.

But where would we be without those who like working on cars, have a passion for building or raising children. What kind of values are we instilling in our children that they need to fit into these career choices. Sure there is nothing wrong with going for the big goal, the ultimate achievement but sometimes I wonder if we miss our calling in trying to follow these golden paths.

We praise those who go to college, achieve that degree and go on to work for someone else but somehow discount the person who took a risk and walked a different road. We strive for safety and not for what we are ultimately called to do.

When I began college, I wanted to be a vet. I took Chemistry 101 and failed miserably. I changed my major . . . eventually I ended up striving toward a career that was safe . . . teaching. I could do teaching right? Have a few kids . . . be off in the summer and all holidays . . . and after all, I love children. So that was the plan. I graduated college and went on to get my teaching credential in special education.

But there was a problem here. Our plans are not exactly the same as God's Plan. I had my life planned out for what worked best for me, my family and my career. MY IDEA of what worked out best. My concern is that I believe this is what we do to our children when preparing them for life. This is the norm right? I mean how many would tell their daughters they can always stay home and homeschool their children and run a youth ranch/horse rescue.

But what is ultimately amazing about this . . . when I was a little girl I loved horses. I grew up figuring that there was one path to do what you were meant to do and that was to be a vet. Well, I may not be a vet or even a teacher in the classroom but I am exactly where I want to be. I spend everyday teaching my children and and then I walk outside and care for the horses, some who need special vetting.

I believe it is important to encourage those special dreams our children have with options. They can be whatever they want to be. Money is not the overall goal but the fact that they are passionate about what they do. It is important that they are not too focused that they miss an opportunity, disguised as not as prestigious or important. Those are the divine appointments.