Sunday Sentiments

Someone asked the other day what sort of qualifications we had for this job.

It's an awkward question, for sure. It was awkward when it showed up in our interview.

Why should we hire you for this job?

We had nothing to offer that made for a good answer to that question. Neither of us had a degree in counseling, social work, or anything else that fit with this job. Just a writer and a PTA signing up for a new adventure. Neither of us had children that we had successfully raised to teenage years and beyond. Neither of us ever worked in a field like this one before. Neither of us grew up in an environment that matched what our young adults know firsthand.

What we did have to offer was simply that we felt God nudging us this direction. We brought with us a combined 80ish years of life experience that we hoped would translate into understanding and advice for conversations at hand. We brought a desire to make a difference. We brought organization, creativity, and loyalty. 

So the answer to the question is that we have zero qualifications if you look on paper. It's jarring to say, but it's true.

But we do have the equipping of the Lord. 

Some days we have to remind ourselves of that regularly. Some days we stare at each other, wide-eyed, and say what in the world do we do now? Some days we glance around for the adult in charge and realize we're those adults.

Here's the truth of it, though:

I like it better that way.

Certainly I appreciate (and lean toward) those who have years of education and understanding about deep, difficult issues. I readily welcome their advice. Certainly I pay attention to the wisdom of those who have walked these roads before, whether personally or in raising children. 

But I also appreciate that the all-powerful God of creation makes His power perfect in my weakness. I appreciate that In those moments when I'm at a loss, He's not even slightly confused. When I sit in a conversation and wonder what my next word should be, He places it on my tongue. When I don't know how to react, He nudges with pushes and stops as necessary.

Our job is merely an example, you know. None of us are experts in all things in life. None of us sail through each day utterly confident in every choice we must make. But we do all have access to the Power that is perfect in our weakness. 

And for that, I'm grateful.