There have been times in my life where I thought I knew God’s plans for me. As a young adult, I served actively within my church and college organization. I served on several mission trips (Panama City Beach, Nashville, Toledo, and Pittsburgh) and helped with VBS, Backyard Bible Clubs, and various youth groups. I thought to myself that one day I would serve in the mission field full time or serve in a church setting. It seemed to be the natural path given my past experiences.

However, that was not God’s plan. I found myself waiting and often being discontent with where I was, because I had different expectations. I knew God had called me to the teaching field, much to my dismay (Yes, I argued with God about this calling), but I didn’t end up teaching inner city or where I thought I would be most useful. In fact, after five years in the elementary school setting, God opened the door for me to work on my doctorate and teach on the college level. Once again, I found myself feeling discontent. I thought I was supposed to be working with kids not college students (granted many days there are similarities).

As I was pregnant with my second child, I thought my time had finally come to go home full-time and devote my self to my church. I resigned from my job and interviewed for the preschool director position at my church. During that interview, we discussed how one’s ministry can often become just another job. The light bulb went off. My ministry was my job. Why hadn’t I seen that before? I had the perfect platform, but I wasn’t thinking about it as a ministry. I was thinking about it as a job! I went back to work with much fervor, and for the next year my door was open to students with many different needs. In fact, some days I commented that I thought I had a sign on my forehead that read “Talk to me if you have problems”.

No one is knocking on my door currently, but I believe I needed a reprieve. However, I’m still passionate about ministering to my college students. I do still miss my elementary kids, sometimes to the point of tears and heartache. God’s ways are not my ways. My limited understanding often makes a mess of God’s plans, and often I need rescuing from myself!

- LeAnn Carter

Sermon Text: Luke 2:25-38

Additional Readings: Micah 5:2-5a, Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45

Light: The candle of PEACE

Read: God’s messenger, JSB p. 160 (Jonah 1-4, Hebrews 1:1-2)


Ask: Is there something for which you’re sorry? To whom do you need to say you’re sorry?

Pray: Ask God to help you forgive others in the way that God forgives you.

Jesse Tree Ornament: Whale

Act: Draw a heart on your hand. When you look at it, remember nothing can stop God from loving you.

Listen: I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day