With the school year finally over, I have had some time and space to breath and process everything going on around me. With some of the time I have available now, I want to share what I have been internally wrestling with lately.
If I were to sum up how I am feeling, the image above puts it well: the path ahead has choices that are full of twists, turns, and unknowns. Another way to put it is simply tension.
I have been part of a men's group called CrossTrainers that has been meeting since 1979. This group has been meeting longer than I have been alive! It has been cool to see men of all ages come together and tackle some important topics that men face today. We are currently going through the book Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley and last week we covered the topic about purpose and job contentment. I won't go into details, but I have always wrestled with my vocational assignment. I have worked through this topic before, but I am diving into it once again because if there has been one lesson I have learned over the past five years it is that life is short. I don't want to waste my time. I am not exerting unnecessary amounts of pressure to "figure it out" (can it be figured out or does it change with the seasons of life?), but this book has reignited the question that has been on my heart: is what I am doing, what I should be doing?
A friend once told me, "Austin, I know what God's will is for your life." The 19 year-old Austin waited anxiously with excitement to hear God's ordained assignment for my life. Then, Todd Pierce said, "Live in His love." Man, I felt like a balloon that had its air released and flopped to the ground. I thought that was the most Christianese answer you could give someone! Looking back, I know Todd was spot on. I know the over-arching purpose for my life, and can look back and completely agree with Todd. In my own words, I feel God is calling me to abide in, and fully enjoy, Him. "To glorify God and enjoy him forever", as the Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it.
What does that look like in my vocation? Currently, I am looking forward to being a math teacher in the town and district that helped form and shape who I am today. I will be teaching 8th-grade math in Adel, IA, and I am extremely excited! There is a part of me that wonders, though, is this it? I get the privilege of pouring into students through my job and also through our non-profit Sembrando Esperanza (Sow Hope). I love it, but some days I would like to be able to give more in terms of resources. I know far too many bright and capable students who lack only the resources and means to tap into their potential. That is one of the reasons my wife and I started SE, to help bridge that gap, but I want to give more than just my time to it. This internal tension makes me wonder if venturing into Data Analytics is worth the try. I love working with statistics, problem-solving, finding patterns, and figuring out the best course of action with it all. Yet, if I am honest, I do not know what is best. Teaching is less intimidating to me because I grew up with a dad who is an educator himself, and I am used to the teaching schedule.
Is there more than teaching? Not that teaching is bad, but some days I would love to be a Data Analysis or a professor of statistics.
As I continue to navigate these challenges and uncertainties, I am reminded that I am not alone. Whether it's through my vocational journey, family struggles, vehicle/financial questions, God's faithfulness remains a constant source of comfort and guidance. He is my ultimate hope, He is my ultimate provider, and He is my ultimate peace.
My hope is that by sharing my story, others might find encouragement in their own paths. We are all on this journey together, seeking wisdom, purpose, and fulfillment.
Thank you for taking the time to read my update. Your prayers and support mean the world to me. Let's continue to walk this path together, trusting in God's unwavering love and guidance.
Stay tuned for more updates, and may we all find peace in the midst of life's tensions.
Go well,
Austin
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