My first teaching position was as a substitute for Tacoma Public Schools.  I did that for about five months and then I was offered a replacement contract to finish out the year where I had done my student teaching.  It was likely that I would be offered another position in that school but no guarantees.  More than anything I wanted to be sure I was following the Lord’s leading on where to go.

From the journal . . . . June 1997

Lord, I wish I could hear You.  I’m trusting.  Lord, I believe You have said Tacoma Public Schools all along.  I believe that, so I’ll stay in this district.  I think I have made a good impression.

And I Believe God Said:

You have been faithful to carry My name with you.  That’s what I want for you:  Love and teach the children.

Love and care for the parents.

Show Me to the staff.

Be you for Me there.  Be real, be kind, be Mine. 

You will leave an impression.  I will place you.  I will put you in place and you are to bloom where you’re planted.  Keep Me in mind and heart and go where your heart leads.  Diane, there are children, parents, and staff, at every school, that need My touch.  I won’t waste you. Tacoma Public Schools.  I’ll place you.  Early childhood.  That’s your love and I can use that.

It seemed too easy for me to stay in that same school and in a similar situation but evidently that was His plan.  I was offered a half day kindergarten and reading specialist for third grade and that is what I did!

  For me the most significant part of what He said was that there were people in every school that needed His touch. I know He was talking to me personally about the job I would be taking, but I believe He is talking to all of us!! There are people everywhere who need Him!! He told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful.

Matt 9:36-38  Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. ³⁸ Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

God not only wants to use us, but He knows us so well and He considers what we love and how He can work through us!! He is so good!

Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.  NASB1995

This is one of my very favorite verses so here’s another translation!

Luke 12:32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. NLT