I love my "Job"

When I walk in the front doors and see the students sitting in the hall waiting to come to class, I get so excited. Everyday I learn something new and get to know my students better. It is so interesting to see the way children act, interact and react. I can’t wait to see how much progress they make through the school year! I have observed growth already in the three weeks I’ve been there. It’s amazing! There is one thing I don’t love about my job, though. Driving home. It is so depressing. I leave my job in a community that has a very high crime rate and is in need of economic and spiritual revival. I drive “over the mountain” to crepe myrtle lined roads filled with foreign cars and in need of an economic reality check. I don’t mean to sound harsh about either side of the mountain, but I am saddened by the divide that is Red Mountain. I should drive home and feel blessed to live where I live, but I actually feel guilty for driving home to my “perfect” little apartment with our manicured yards. I feel as if I am ignoring the big issue. I believe I am called to work with children in urban Birmingham, but am I really doing enough? I don’t want this job to be a “job” but a daily opportunity to love these kids and show them Christ’s love. How does this translate into change for the community? I have no idea. All I know (and what I’m clinging to) is that I am doing what I feel God has called me to do now. I won’t worry about what else I need to do, because I know God will equip me to do His work in His time. I say this often, but I’m so glad I serve such a capable God.