It Starts with Me

The school year at Numonohi Christian Academy (NCA) will begin on August 5th of this year.  It’s coming quick!  I was in my classroom today and starting to get the layout done and ready for when my students will arrive.  I was struck by the idea that the work of getting things ready for school?  “IT starts with me.”  Before the kiddos arrive and before learning commences, as a teacher, I need to prepare and plan.  While that isn’t my favorite part about being in the classroom, it IS essential to a successful school year!

When I first titled this blogpost, I had every intention of sharing that “It STARTS with me.”  I was going to share that the Hovey crew is riding in a different vehicle this school year, but it literally STARTS with me—I turn the key in the ignition!  If it wasn’t for that critical step in the process of beginning the vehicle’s engine, there would be no transportation for us to get to school!  I thought my word play would be appreciated by most of our audience.  :0)

“It starts WITH me,” also reminds me of the truth that I get to be a team player.  While most of the NCA staff and teachers aren’t on the ground quite yet, I get to make the choice NOW to engage WITH each of them by putting my piece of the puzzle on the table.  In a team setting, it takes all of us working together to accomplish the bigger work of imparting a love of knowledge into the minds and hearts of the MKs on the field here in Papua New Guinea.  Even more than imparting knowledge, is the passing on truth from the Lord of Lords who has called us here to serve HIM!

Finally, “It starts with ME.”  I have a choice to make each morning…who am I going to set my mind and heart on today?  Is it me, my preferences, and my desires OR is the work in PNG further reaching than Phyllis Hovey?  I would emphatically support the idea that I (aka ME) am not the One who calls the shots here in PNG.  On the contrary, I am here on a mission of obedience to My Jesus, My Savior, My Lord and My God!  So?  While “It starts with ME” and my decision to live out obedience today, there is a much bigger picture coming together than just ME, myself and I….all eyes are to be set on JESUS!  HE is the One we are here for!

What about YOU, dear Reader?  What starts with YOU?  I don’t say this flippantly as I know this is not an easy road and not one that is the first response of our hearts…. My prayer today is that perhaps you are challenged in your own set of circumstances to consider in what capacity the Lord might be asking YOU to start something!  Follow Him!  Do it at once!  I can guarantee that you will NOT regret it!!!

We are all writing a book...what will yours say?