If I were to summarize the past year or so in one word, that word would be trust. As I have learned time and time again, it’s that oftentimes, God says no to your plans, and occasionally, you have to wait and wait and wait for His plans to be revealed. In the midst of all of these changed plans, I have learned to trust that God’s plan would be revealed to me at the proper time, and that his plans are always greater than any plan I had on my own.

Around this time last year, I just knew that I would graduate from UMHB and go on to pursue a PhD in Political Science. That is what I wanted, and that is what I worked to achieve since before I even graduated from high school. I did all of the right research. I narrowed my list down to a handful of universities, the top one being Baylor. I met with professors, graduate students, was given tours of the campus. I was all but certain that this is what I wanted to pursue and eventually become a college professor.

Then I signed up for the GRE. I thought to myself, “I’ve got this.” After all, I had not made anything lower than an A in college. Taking tests was what I was good at, however, as I studied and prepared, I began to question if pursuing a doctorate was what I really wanted to do. I realize now that God was trying to show me that He had different plans for me, but of course, I did not want to listen. I was determined to get a PhD in Political Science. Even as I was stressing over the GRE, failing each practice exam, I thought that surely someone would take me even with low scores, or maybe, just maybe, the actual test would be easier. Then I took the GRE.

I failed miserably. I told myself, well I still have time for a few more tries before application deadlines. It wasn’t until after I met with a graduate professor that I realized God was saying to me, “You’re not going to get a PhD in Political Science.”

I was disheartened. After everything I had been working towards for the previous 5 years, I finally realized that God had different plans for me. Even though I was uncertain as to what these plans would be, I decided to trust in God and to finally give up trying to think that my plans were better than His.

Later that day, after meeting up with a friend who attends Truett Seminary at Baylor before learning all there was to know about the seminary, I thought God was radically changing my plans and calling me to go to seminary. I visited again multiple times, filled out all of the paperwork, and I told everyone of God revealing to me that He was calling me into ministry. I told people that I wanted to become a youth or college minister while also teaching at a public school. I thought for sure that God had revealed His plans for me.

Then, in December, the decision came. The answer was no. I would not be attending seminary the following fall semester (what would have been this upcoming academic term). For a few more months, my future seemed uncertain.

Then, I had the opportunity to be a student teacher at Florence High School, the same high school I graduated from nearly 5 years earlier. It was an absolute blast. The lesson plans, the projects, the interactions with students, and so many other aspects of teaching gave me so much excitement. It gave me a purpose beyond my own ambitions in that I was able to teach, encourage, and pour into the lives of young people.

During my time at FHS, I realized that this is what God wanted me to do, and that was to find a full-time teaching position, and devote my time solely to educating young people. Instead of teaching after getting a PhD in Political Science, thereby being both a college professor and a part-time public education teacher, instead of becoming a youth or college minister on top of being a school teacher, God revealed to me that He wanted me to devote all of my occupational time to showing His love to others by educating young people. I also realized that I didn’t have to attend seminary in order to do ministry. I could be an integral part of my church regardless.

After much job searching, I was recently hired to teach at Georgetown High School as a Social Studies Resource/Inclusion teacher. I could not be more thrilled about this opportunity. Through God’s faithfulness and infinite wisdom, I know now that this is the plan God has for me. I’m not saying that these plans can’t or won’t change, because I have learned that God is capable of doing anything for His glory. What I am saying is that God has shown me what His current plans are for my life in this moment. These plans did not include a PhD, and I’m okay with that. These plans did not include an MDiv at Seminary, and I’m okay with that. These plans DID include me becoming a teacher at GHS, and I am beyond excited! It is my hope that I will be teaching for years to come, especially at this wonderful campus, because I truly believe that God has called me to this place, to engage, encourage, inspire, and pour into the lives of my students so that they know that there is no limit to what they can achieve.

As I prepare for the upcoming year, ever mindful of God’s faithfulness, I am encouraged by so many as I embark on this next chapter in life. It is my goal that students know that Mr. Stewart is not only there for a paycheck, but he is there to challenge them, to encourage them, to meet their needs, to help them grow, and to help guide them along their educational journey. I strongly advocate the position that every child has the ability to learn and make a difference. I truly believe that every kid, in their own way, can truly change the world!

Some words of encouragement:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace! – Acts 20:24

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. – Colossians 2:2-3