I'm 30 years old and things are finally starting to make sense.
I've had surges of great seasons in my life specifically in the last 10 years.
The last 2 years have been pretty rough for me, but I'm anticipating a breakthrough any day now.
In preparation for this "open door" God is going to direct my path to; I'm spending more time in prayer about the things God has placed inside of me. Right now, I work as a child center supervisor. I love kids. I love being friendly. I love paperwork. I love customer service. However, I am quite aware that this is an "in the meantime job", and not the career I will hold for the rest of my life.
In the last few days I have taken an evaluation of my likes/dislikes, talents, passions, weaknesses, and even those things I feel are non-negotiable. Some of the things I like to do are not just coincidental; they're a huge part of who I am, and why God created me.
I've done my best to narrow things down; so here it is...my list of my top 3 "dream jobs".
1. SINGER/SONGWRITER-----
I love the microphone.
There I said it.
I used to feel so "wrong" for feeling this way as a Christian. I felt that if I enjoyed "performing" or being on stage that meant that I was self-centered or even superficial. But over the years, I've felt a sense of understanding come over me, as I delve deeper into the craft of singing and writing songs. I think Shania Twain said it best...."Without a doubt, the best way to get to know me is through my music. "
There is something about the stage that makes me come alive.
Whether its leading worship, or singing background; inside of me I feel like a candle has been lit every time I sing into a microphone. In worship, the thought of my voice connecting with the glory of God in heaven and creating this glorious sound, and moving my Savior to acknowledge me, and respond with His presence....there are no earthly words to describe the power of that moment. Heaven and earth collide, and I am where I was designed to be.
Even when I sing background. How amazing is it to stand behind a vocalist and help to create a sound that meshes together to bring to pass a story they are trying to tell. Music is incredible.
I'm not the most talented songwriter. I'm pretty average. But to think that I am writing a song that may be sung at someone's wedding, funeral, christening, salvation experience, revival, or simply in the comfort of their own home; gives me pleasure and motivation. If someone can be inspired to believe because of something I wrote; then I'd say that's reason enough to write.
Shania Twain also said, " Music is when I feel at my best, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
I can relate. No pain, no worry, no fear can overtake me when Im behind a microphone. I am lost in the music; drowning in the sound, wrapped in a blanket of creativity, and I am....MYSELF.
2. MINISTER
I LOVE the Word of God. I'm at a place in my life where it is no longer boring, optional, or hard to understand. It's my very lifeline to the promises of my father to His children. It is LIFE.
In turn, I love to study the word and then share it with others. I love to see a face light up with the revelation of Christ, and a transformation begins to take place in their heart and mind. I love to see a simple scripture spoken against a sickness, situation or sin: and in turn watch that WORD; that LIFE overcome whatever is going on in a persons life. The word of God is unfailing and always true. For that reason I enjoy "ministering" or "carrying" the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am most passionate about reaching teenagers and young adults. There is such a great destiny for the young people of today, but they are in serious warfare against so many different types of sin and perversion. There are young Christians who desire to be used by God, but feel unequipped and unaware of how to be effective; due to the lack of mentors who are willing to take of their time and energy and INVEST in these young people. I dream of having a mentorship program where i can match up young people with mentors in their particular ministry field. Whether it be intercession, missions, worship leading, mens ministry, pastoral leadership; whatever; I would love to see more young people receiving "spiritual deposits" from mentors who are seasoned, active in ministry, and committed to seeing this generation succeed in ministry.
I have no degree. But I have a heart, and I have experience, and I've got God's anointing. One day; this vision will come to pass.
3. #1 FAN
While reflecting over my own talents and gifts, I was consistently reminded of my husband, and how our talents are very similar. Every time I thought of my own dreams, I thought of him, and I realized just how deeply I am in love with him.
My husband Ben is an amazing musician, businessman and visionary. His ideas are innovative, his heart is deep and wide, and he is just plain talented.
In the hustle and bustle of every day life, I sometimes forget the magnitude of his abilities. This past May, Ben and I were a part of a womens retreat. I sang on the worship team and he played the drums. After the message on the first night we were asked to minister together. Ben moved from the drums to the piano and began to play prophetically as I sang the song of the Lord. The next day in a time of sharing, he gave a prophetic word to the leaders of the retreat, and just moments later showed the bass player a few chords and "licks". Just recently, he created a logo for the worship leaders band and has taken on the role of this particular bands booking/road manager.
Musician. Minstrel. Teacher. Graphic Design Artist. Road Manager.
And thats not even all.
He's played for secular and gospel artists, he went to school for sound engineering, he has experience as a record label executive board member, and he works for a well known computer company that sells "ipods".:)
I am married to a genius.
I have realized that one of my greatest dreams is to SEE MY HUSBAND....SUCCEED and BE RESPECTED.
He's such a gentle giant that people sometimes "miss it". He's not forceful or arrogant about his "resume", and in turn people tend to over look him. But this man is a MOGUL....A MAN OF VALOR....A CREATIVE GENUIS....AND A MAN AFTER THE HEART OF GOD.
I want to be the best wife to him I can be.
HONORABLE MENTION:
best selling novelist or freelance writer
As I look back over these dream jobs, I've realized that in some way I have already begun the journey to becoming each of these. I've been a background singer for 3 gospel artists in the past 6 years; I've written 2 songs that have been placed on already released projects: this fall i'm teaching a class as part of our women's ministry program at church, and daily I pray for a door to be opened on my husbands behalf.
As I continue to "dream" and pursue my goals, I am reminded of this scripture,
Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil 1:6)
I'm holding fast to that promise.
So, I wanna know....what's your dream job?