CALLING (a post about Paul, not me)

 Over the last three years, I have been absorbed in discerning my calling, which is typical of someone who enters seminary and professional ministry—constant seeking and responding, God taking you on an uncharted journey. I have always admired Paul and thought his call in life was so clear—to teach. It is what he was born to do.




 

As many of you know, Paul was selected as one of the 10 finalists for 2013 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Last weekend was the final selection process and the banquet. Paul was incredibly honored to be a finalist.  It speaks to his skills as a fabulous teacher.

 




With 2012 Recipient Jackie Roehl
Language Arts
Edina 

On Sunday, Megan Hall, a teacher at a great magnet school in downtown St. Paul was named recipient. She will be an incredible ambassador for teachers across the state as she advocates for minimizing the terrible achievement gap in Minnesota.



On Saturday night, Paul and I went out for supper with two couples: Megan, the named recipient, and her husband, who also teaches in downtown St. Paul. And a finalist from Arlington, a small town west of the cities, and her husband, who also teaches in that district. The night was filled with strange events—but that’s a story for another time. 





With 2011 Recipient Katy Smith
Early Childhood Family Ed
Winona

The dialogue with these incredible folks was inspiring. As we got back to the hotel room, Paul and I had a conversation we have often—what is going to happen when I finish seminary? And the answer is always: we don’t know.



But I recognized a lot this weekend about my husband. My husband’s calling is more specific than just “teaching.” He knows it.  He’s always known it.  We’ve talked about it before.  And this weekend I finally let it settle into my soul.





Christensens

With his father-in-law,
the guy who first hired him.

He wanted to be at the event last weekend representing a small town. He believes that education is in the business of providing opportunity for everyone, and he knows that he is best when he is providing opportunity to those who often get overlooked because they are in small schools. Any chance Paul gets, he says that he is from a small northern school, and that his first job was in a small southern district. He knows the dynamics of small towns; he knows the struggles of kids who come from small towns; he knows the socioeconomic issues that arise in small towns; he knows what kids from small towns need in order to make it in bigger environments.




With Mahtomedi Teachers

Don’t get me wrong. Paul is not unhappy with his current position. He will tell you that he is in an amazing school, working alongside incredibly talented teachers, with ambitious and creative kids, supported by administrators who understand individual needs. He is providing opportunity right now. Absolutely.  It's right... right now. 





Yet, I know a bit about calling. I know that you can’t be held back from it.  I know that God will just keep coming at you, stirring you until you are in the place that your passions and talent best meet the needs of our world.  I know that you are at your best when you let yourself become clay in the hands of God. 





 

I am so blessed to share my life with this person who has passion and sensitivity and knows God is working through him to meet the needs of others, every single day.