Whether you have followed this blog since the beginning or joined somewhere along the journey, you may find its title - "Spoonspirations" - a little odd. Yes, I love to bake and wooden spoons are my 'sought-after' item when I travel. But, it is the original wooden spoon find that started it all back in 2009.
In 2009, I took my first big solo international adventure to Prague leading in to the International Leadership Association Conference. A pre-conference "world cafe" event had be navigating public transportation to a community school on the outskirts of the city to participate in conversations about global issues and what we could collectively do to make a positive impact. When my tram stop came, I stepped off to look for the anticipated school representative to help navigate from the stop to the school. To my surprise, there was no one waiting; after a few minutes of contemplating options and the event start time approaching, I set off to find the school. I found a delightful man walking out of his home and greeted him to ask for directions. And quickly discovered he spoke no English (which match my language skills to him). Lesson learned: a smile and some gestures go a long way across cultural barriers. He pointed in me in a direction, which ended up being the way toward the school. I made it to the school (a little late) and engaged in conversations on issues and solutions connected to the need for leadership and action. Those conversations were a pivotal point in my career trajectory; though leadership education was a passion, "global" as part of leadership education was affirmed.
At that conference, I also had breakfast with Dr. Carter - a faculty member at the University of Florida. As a nearly done Masters student, I laid out my thoughts to her on future directions - Ph.D programs I was considering and potential jobs. I am forever grateful for her lending an ear that morning and offering advice for my continued thinking on the matter.
Clearly a memorable conference...of which in searching for a souvenir to bring home in my minimalist packing, I found a wooden spoon! A perfect thing to bring home as a pragmatic individual who loves to cook and bake. It became a reminder every time I baked of the connections I made on that adventure. And then as I traveled more, it became a symbolic item that represents the connections I make as I travel (and here at home for those close-knit friends who bring me back spoons from their travels and gather at my table to share).
About 6-8 months after that Prague conference, I received a message from Dr. Carter about a new position at UF to coordinate the CALS Leadership Institute and Teaching Resource Center programs in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. A month or so later...I was moving to Gainesville, FL knowing just a few folks at the university through connections in professional associations. I figured I would work a couple of years, then figure out what doctoral program I wanted to do and see where life would go from there. (I actually just laughed a little as I typed that.)
Fast forward a little over 8 years...still here in Gainesville at UF (with the addition of a UF degree along the way). I love my job...the students and faculty I get to teach and serve, the CALS family I get to work with...I love the Gainesville community and especially my Westside family. So, when the questions started coming (as they naturally do after you complete a PhD) about "What's next?"...I kept saying I don't know. I knew the Lord had me in a season of waiting and rest, but was not sure what the next steps would be. I dreaded the thought of leaving UF, especially considering my work with our CALS LI program reflected so many of my passions in one gig. But, I knew I had to consider what that next step would be in order to recognize and act upon the opportunity when the time came. The next question was typically, "What is your ideal job?" My answer was usually along the lines of: "If I could keep the CALS Leadership Institute and add additional teaching responsibilities in AEC, I would be thrilled." And that's what I've been praying for since before I finished my Ph.D.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21
Y'all...I am just beside myself! A couple of months ago, that dream job description was posted...at UF! Never did I imagine that those prayers would be answered in a way that would enable me to stay. I am thrilled to share that my next career chapter will be right here at UF. As of January 2, 2019, I will be a new faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication with a 100% Teaching appointment as Lecturer of Global Agricultural Leadership. This position entails continued coordination of the CALS Leadership Institute and the teaching connected with the program, as well as coordination and teaching effort for the Global Leadership and Change Certificate (and a few other duties). To top it all off, I had the opportunity to give a seminar during the interview process...where I shared my spoon story!
I am beyond excited to stay at UF and for the opportunity to join the CALS AEC family as a faculty member! Here's to new opportunities and challenges for growth in the new year! To all those who have prayed with me for this opportunity - thank you! Continued prayers always welcomed as this new adventure begins! #Grateful #Thankful #Blessed
Monday, December 17, 2018
Friday, May 11, 2018
A Season of Rest
"How long, O Lord..." ...
"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." ...
"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint." ...
"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
- Habakkuk 1:2, 1:5, 2:1, 2:3
I just love this back and forth between Habakkuk and God...it's honest and direct. It shows doubt that is followed by deeper trust, questioning for clarity that leads to deeper trust, and intentionality in expecting an answer from God. And, it ultimately reminds us that God's timing is perfect...even if we may lack the patience and vision to gracefully wait and see 'it' (whatever it may be) come to fruition.
I really liked the point made in First 5 yesterday with focus on Habakkuk 2:
"Sometimes we may want an explanation, but God may give us a revelation instead.
And when God shows us more of Himself, our view of Him expands, and when our view of Him expands, our understanding of His nature grows as well. God's answer to our prayers and our pleadings may not always be the answer we were hoping for, but we can always trust that God is still moving and working out His will."
After all, "Why?" is an easy question to ask...talk to any 2-3 year old for long and their curiosity of how things work will prove that point. As we get older, the depth of that question grows and takes on a whole new meaning and complexity that does indeed merit an indefinite time of waiting (likely impatiently). As we seek those answers, sometimes we're called to a season of rest.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20
"I stand in awe of your deed, O Lord." - Habakkuk 3:2
I have found myself here in this season of rest for the beginning part of 2018. If I'm being honest, I knew I was to be in such a season after I completed my doctoral program; yet, I jumped right in to additional responsibilities for the Fall semester. So, as some symptoms of burnout were bubbling up toward the end of 2017, it was crystal clear that 2018 needed to start with more 'nos' than 'yeses' and making an intentional effort to be still and rest for a season. In the past 3 months, I've gained a few key insights...
1. In rest, I have time to rediscover purpose. I had been so caught up in the laundry list of things that needed to be completed on a day to day basis that I forgot just how much I enjoy creative approaches to things. When things are so busy, I easily fall into the comparison game and trap of 'imposter syndrome'. This season of rest has spurred my creativity rand renewed my confidence to execute some long overdue projects this summer. (Cue the nerdy excitement!)
2. In rest...I can refocus on my relationships. Whether it's old, new, or relatively longstanding relationships, intentionally reaching out to others is key. This Spring has been a refreshing time of reflection about the various lessons I have learned through others the Lord places in my life, the role I have to play in others' lives as an encourager, and the intent it takes to build or maintain such relationships.
3. In rest, my Spirit is refilled. When life is moving at a rapid pace, it's easy to focus on the logistics of how to accomplish everything and seeking for clarity. Yet, He desires us to seek Him not so much for clarity, but rather learning to know Him and trust Him more. He is the sole restorer of the soul.
Day by day, the waiting continues for the myriad of 'why' questions I have murmured along this journey. But, even in the waiting, we are called to serve with those many gifts he has given to each of us. So...Seek. Serve. Repeat. is the current mantra with great anticipation for what will be. Though I see this season of rest coming to a close, I am grateful for this odd but now welcomed period of time.
"yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength;...he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:18-19
"Look at the nations and watch - and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." ...
"I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint." ...
"For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay."
- Habakkuk 1:2, 1:5, 2:1, 2:3
I just love this back and forth between Habakkuk and God...it's honest and direct. It shows doubt that is followed by deeper trust, questioning for clarity that leads to deeper trust, and intentionality in expecting an answer from God. And, it ultimately reminds us that God's timing is perfect...even if we may lack the patience and vision to gracefully wait and see 'it' (whatever it may be) come to fruition.
I really liked the point made in First 5 yesterday with focus on Habakkuk 2:
"Sometimes we may want an explanation, but God may give us a revelation instead.
And when God shows us more of Himself, our view of Him expands, and when our view of Him expands, our understanding of His nature grows as well. God's answer to our prayers and our pleadings may not always be the answer we were hoping for, but we can always trust that God is still moving and working out His will."
After all, "Why?" is an easy question to ask...talk to any 2-3 year old for long and their curiosity of how things work will prove that point. As we get older, the depth of that question grows and takes on a whole new meaning and complexity that does indeed merit an indefinite time of waiting (likely impatiently). As we seek those answers, sometimes we're called to a season of rest.
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him." - Habakkuk 2:20
"I stand in awe of your deed, O Lord." - Habakkuk 3:2
I have found myself here in this season of rest for the beginning part of 2018. If I'm being honest, I knew I was to be in such a season after I completed my doctoral program; yet, I jumped right in to additional responsibilities for the Fall semester. So, as some symptoms of burnout were bubbling up toward the end of 2017, it was crystal clear that 2018 needed to start with more 'nos' than 'yeses' and making an intentional effort to be still and rest for a season. In the past 3 months, I've gained a few key insights...
1. In rest, I have time to rediscover purpose. I had been so caught up in the laundry list of things that needed to be completed on a day to day basis that I forgot just how much I enjoy creative approaches to things. When things are so busy, I easily fall into the comparison game and trap of 'imposter syndrome'. This season of rest has spurred my creativity rand renewed my confidence to execute some long overdue projects this summer. (Cue the nerdy excitement!)
2. In rest...I can refocus on my relationships. Whether it's old, new, or relatively longstanding relationships, intentionally reaching out to others is key. This Spring has been a refreshing time of reflection about the various lessons I have learned through others the Lord places in my life, the role I have to play in others' lives as an encourager, and the intent it takes to build or maintain such relationships.
3. In rest, my Spirit is refilled. When life is moving at a rapid pace, it's easy to focus on the logistics of how to accomplish everything and seeking for clarity. Yet, He desires us to seek Him not so much for clarity, but rather learning to know Him and trust Him more. He is the sole restorer of the soul.
Day by day, the waiting continues for the myriad of 'why' questions I have murmured along this journey. But, even in the waiting, we are called to serve with those many gifts he has given to each of us. So...Seek. Serve. Repeat. is the current mantra with great anticipation for what will be. Though I see this season of rest coming to a close, I am grateful for this odd but now welcomed period of time.
"yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength;...he enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:18-19
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