God made it grow

GOD MADE IT GROW

"What does a plant need to be a plant?"

The faces of 10 five-to-eight-year-olds stared at me. We had started our unit on plants, and this was a question they had to consider. Obvious answers were given, such as leaves, stems, and roots. And then there were some we had to think about: Can a plant be a plant without soil, sunlight, or water? We might not be able to see the water molecules in every plant, but they are there, and in the sunlight and soil there are important minerals to help the plant grow. As we listed the parts of a plant and the things that keep a plant alive, I was once again reminded of the privilege I have to be a vessel watering the little seed of faith planted in each of these children.

DECIDING TO BE A TEACHER

For me the decision to become a teacher seemed too easy. From the time I started grade school, family and teachers had told me I would be a great teacher. Most people don't stick with the job they choose when they are six, and in high school I began to wonder if I truly wanted to be a teacher. For a while I pushed teaching away, thinking it was not what I wanted to do but instead it was something that others had decided for me. However, I changed my mind once again when I was challenged by a wonderful pastor to consider my gifts. Would I best serve the Lord as a teacher or in another profession? When I looked at the gifts God had graciously given me—patience and a passion for helping others learn—I had to admit that teaching would be a perfect fit. Now, where would I go to make this dream come true?

My parents had modeled the value of Christian education for my siblings and me by making sure that we were able to learn about our Savior, not only on Sunday but throughout the week. From kindergarten through high school in all of my classes and extracurriculars I was surrounded with the message of Jesus and his saving grace. I wanted to make sure that I could continue studying God's Word and that I would be able to share this great news with everyone I met. This desire to stay in the Word led me to Martin Luther College where I would prepare to serve the Lord someday as a teacher in our Lutheran schools.