If my spiritual growth was drawn out on an actual line graph, the line would have taken a sharp turn upwards and continued at an exponential rate over the last twelve months. I am amazed at how much the Lord has shown me, taught me, challenged me and changed me over this past year. He has worked in such a way that only He could receive all the glory for it.

I am a planner by nature. I am organized (mostly). I have my i’s dotted and t’s crossed way in advance. I send way too many emails and have way too many reminders set on my phone. Basically, I’m obnoxiously Type A.

This week I had a plan for my Wednesday night kid’s mission group. I was there early, I had everything laid out and organized in the classroom. I was all set! Then the kids showed up… ha. Just kidding… sort of.

I felt like we had been somewhat intense with our teaching the last few weeks so I had chosen some lighter activities for the kids to have some fun this week. Our missionary that we are focusing on this month had shared about the power of our personal testimony. I wanted to make sure the kids understood what a testimony was and discuss some ways they could share theirs with others. It was meant to be a brief introduction conversation before we started our next activity. One of the young girls raised her hand and asked, “Well, what’s your testimony Mrs. Lindsey?” I briefly looked over at my pile of props for the activity and turned back to see her smiling face. I had a choice. Push through with my plans because that’s what was on the schedule tonight. Or scrap the plans and join God where He was working. I’m so glad I chose the later.

I got to pour my heart out again to this sweet group of children. I had the privilege of sharing how God had worked in my life from such a young age to draw me to Himself. And I got to tell these precious ones that the same God who loved me and saved me, loves them and wants a relationship with them too. My co-teacher then piggy-backed off my testimony and shared his too. All I could do was sit in awe at what God was doing in our midst. Thirteen fourth and fifth graders sat wide-eyed and listened intently as we shared the powerful message of the Gospel and our life stories with them. I couldn’t get over it.

I left the room shaking my head after the night was over. Silly me. I had it all planned out, didn’t I? I thought we were just going to do some review fun and keep it simple that night. God had a way better plan. I’m so thankful for those kids who diverted me off the planned route and took a rabbit trail with me that was so special and powerful and more meaningful than anything I could have imagined. I’m still learning. And for that, I am grateful.