Signs of God

Some pretty interesting things have been happening in my life lately. First, an old friend of mine contacted me and asked me to call her. I was really surprised to hear from her and also surprised to find out the sad news she shared. I hadn't talked to her in so long it was a bit strange to hear her voice on the other line. I wondered why she wanted me to call her, I mean why did she choose me? What did she want from me? Though I kind of knew she probably just wanted someone to listen and she would call me because I have listened before. I have been praying that God would help her in this difficult time and also that he would guide my words. I really didn't know what to say. I just have hope that God is in her situation.

Secondly, this semester I am interning at an agency that works to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities. I am finally beginning to feel more comfortable there and also confident of my own abilities. At first I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't know if my classroom training was going to be enough to help me know how to do everything. This week I have come to the conclusion that I am inadequate. However, I have also concluded that my classroom experience prepared me for whatever comes next. Yes, I am ready to be a social worker. No, I don't know everything about social work, in fact I know only a small part of all the things I am sure I will learn. However, my internship placement is teaching me a lot of valuable lessons that will assist me when I officially enter the field. This feeling of inadequacy has helped me to let go and let God. It has been so good for me to be able to realize what I can do and have confidence in doing it, what I can learn to do, although I may be nervous, and what things I will eventually be able to do even though I may not be able to do them right away.

One of the things I remember from my freshman college orientation is this. "Do something that scares you every day" As I have gone through my classes and now am in my internship this statement has stayed with me. Although it may not happen on a daily basis, when this quote comes up in my mind I take initiative to do something that scares me. In my internship this has really helped me to challenge myself to take on tasks that I otherwise may turn down. I am really glad that I didn't turn these tasks down because now I know that they are things I have the ability to do. Now every time someone asks me to do it I can carry out the task with confidence. I am so thankful for all God is doing with my internship, He is so faithful.