More Than a Job

So, last week I was hired on as an Intervention Specialist (Special Ed teacher) within the Toledo Public Schools.  Now my license is as an intervention specialist: moderate to intensive.  That essentially means I could potentially teach in just about any special ed setting, k-12.  A ton of options there.  But when I began my job search a few months ago I had a dream job envisioned; I wanted to stay in Toledo, I wanted teach kids with multiple/ more severe disabilities, and I wanted to work with high school age kids.
     I applied for over 30 positions and up until my last application I put in, not one of those positions matched  my wish list for a job.  I had given up on teaching what I was passionate for.  I even almost decided to move to Maryland for a Co-teaching job, which I really did not want to do.  I had all but given up.  It was tough for me.  I thought I would have to move from Toledo, which has been my home for 5 years.  I thought I would have to teach in a mild spec. ed setting which I am not as passionate about.  But God being God, he came through.
   When I had given up hope He reminded me just why He is so incredible.  As a last ditch effort last week I called TPS to check on my application status.  They immediately transferred me to the lady in charge of hiring for special ed.  She asked me where I planned to be living next year, I told her Toledo.  She then told me to come in the next day and she may be able to help me out.  Sure enough I get there, they ask me a few questions and then offered me a choice of three positions.  And long and behold my dream job was among them.  A high school aged, medically fragile unit at a school 2 minutes from my house.
    I am beyond humbled and thankful for the opportunity.  Not only to teach in an urban setting, which I have long wanted to do, but to work with students with more intensive disabilities.  People often tell me how "awesome" it is that I want to do that.  Today, the drug test lady thanked me for wanting to do this.  But I always feel weird when people do so.  Look, this is my passion.  Working with kids with disabilities is my life ministry.  I want nothing else.  I know God has placed them upon my heart.  I know that what I can offer them is FAR LESS than what they can offer me.
   As I go into this "job", I view it as life.  I am trying to help bring a ministry for kids with disabilities to Toledo, and I see this as a way that God is continuing to provide.  So, this is more than a job for me.  It is life.  It is ministry.  And for me, it is just another way in which the Good Lord is working in me.

Friends, a job is more than a job.
With love
Oph