Success

When I think back to my high school years, mostly one thing springs to mind. What did I want to be when I grew up? It was the most pressing question ever. It was everywhere I went, everyone I talked to wanted to know. Some folks could have cared less but they still asked even if it was just to make conversation. By the time I was a senior in high school, my whole life was mapped out. I had been planning since middle school. I had won several scholarships, but not enough to attend the four year college I wanted to go to. Financial aid was different back then so I got the bright idea of moving out on my own, which would qualify me for grants. I moved out, got the grants and fell into plans to become a nurse. My journalism career plans died when the four year college plans had to be put on hold. Nursing looked great to me because it was only two years and the hospitals seemed to all have shortages so the job outlook was sweet. Never mind that I was not quite "nurse material". I was mostly only "party girl material" since moving out on my own. Pretty soon, I was making all sorts of wrong choices and derailing my life.

Unfortunately, I had no one in my life who mentored me. My parents just were not and are not THOSE parents. I had no one to encourage me to make wise decisions. So I got caught up in a whole bunch of bad ones. However, God was looking out for me. He had plans for me. Plans that had never crossed my mind. Plans for a life I did not even have a frame of reference for. Plans that would utilize all the lessons I had learned from unfortunate circumstances. He used my mistakes to train and equip me for the job that suited me best.

It's amazing really, that I would end up a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. It shocks me and yet at the same time, I can't hink of anything I am more equipped for. Not having a role model growing up has made it challenging and there are days (like today!!) where I just don't think I can make it. However, I know this was the plan for me. I also don't think this is it. I think God has other plans for me and it makes me very excited to think about the years to come.

I just wish someone would have explained to me when I was in high school the following: When you grow up and become an adult, it is much more important what kind of person you are than what you do for a living. You will make mistakes and pay ALOT of "stupid tax"(A Dave Ramsey-ism). You will eventually fall in love and want to spend your life with someone. This is a gift from God and together you will find a way to support yourselves and your family if you choose to have one. You can continue to learn, better yourself, and make more money. However, a person without character will never be "successful" even with all the degrees and money in the world.

I'm glad God was working on my character while I was working on...well alot of things I shouldn't have been working on! I could fill a dump truck with the mistakes I have made, but the lessons I have learned are priceless. I hope my children grow up with plans to make a life for themselves and not just plans on how to make a living.