Purposely Placed
Written By: April Mills
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
When my girls were roughly one and five years old, I made the decision to go to nursing school. At the time, I was a 32-year-old stay-at-home mom, and I was contemplating what my life would look like once my youngest was in school full time. I had previously worked in the banking industry in operations, and the thought of returning to that was neither appealing or inspiring. My heart had been stirring for quite some time about His will for my future career path. There was one thing I knew for absolute certain and it resonated deep within my soul: If I was going to go back to work, likely for decades, then I wanted it to be in the service of others. I wanted it to matter. In a boldness that is born in desperation, I threw back all reservations and asked God what to do with my life. The answer came with a resounding clarity: nursing school.
We were a one income family, and my husband worked endlessly to provide for us. Those years were tough in many ways, and even now, my husband and I still have bit of a visceral reaction when we think back on that season of life. The image of me sitting at the kitchen table at 2 a.m. pushing through textbooks and notes is forever engraved into my memory. I journeyed through each clinical rotation feeling confident I had found my calling. Each patient encounter left me left me feeling invigorated; and my love for science and people grew every day. Once I graduated, the great job search began. I could not wait for my feet to hit the hospital floor and to start making a difference. I wanted the hardest cases, and envisioned myself working in a tense fast paced environment saving lives. I was confident that with His immeasurable ability, kindness and wisdom as my foundation, God would lead me to be of service to others. I had a lifetime dream of being used for His purpose, and I truly felt He was fulfilling it.
Well, He did give me the hardest cases, and He did allow me to make an impact. However, it was in a way I never expected or saw coming. I now know that God called me to the field of nursing to care for my family and the circle of loved ones around me. It was to help my daughters navigate their mental health and to help a husband recover from open heart surgery. These assignments have been the greatest honors of my life. Those circumstances brought me to my knees physically and spiritually more times than I can bear to remember, but I would do my part a thousand times over. Even as I sit here, the memories still bring tears to my eyes. However, within that remembrance, I also see the unmeasurable faithfulness and kindness of our dear Lord Jesus. It would take me a thousand years to tell of all the ways He girded me in His strength, and comforted me in His presence.
The calling of God may start us down a path that appears straightforward and clear. God can see the complete tapestry that is your life. While you can see some of the path, your vision is limited by the unknown and all the distractions life puts in your way. My message to you, friend, is to just be open. Remove the bumper pads that keep you safe, and yield your whole life to the Great I Am. He will design and weave your life in ways you never imagined, and all for His wonderous purpose. It won’t be without difficulty or pain, but you will hold a peace that surpasses all understanding, and you will be a witness to the glory of it all.