Through hard work, perseverance, and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.
Ben Carson
This week, I learned more about the lifespan of butterflies, their purpose, and their short time on earth. I observed the live chrysalis stage as several butterflies emerged. I entered a butterfly garden where butterflies from all over the world flew around my head and landed on nearby flowers to pollinate. Considered low on the food chain, butterflies typically live only about a month. From caterpillars to chrysalis to butterflies, these insects work so hard and the end result is pure joy. I’ve taught my own four children that their sole purpose in this life is to serve God with whatever path they choose. Their purpose is to bring glory to the Creator with their lives. I’ve observed my four little caterpillars emerge and fly. I pray that through hard work, perseverance, and faith in God that their short lives on this earth are used to give others joy. That’s what my parents taught me.
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“How can you afford to travel? What do you do for a living? Are you rich?” I’ve been asked these types of questions several times along the road. Such questions seem rude or improper, but people must feel comfortable asking. Ironically, these questions have been asked by folks driving expensive SUVs, staying in area hotels, or pulling a large camping trailer ten times the size of mine. In addition to working three jobs this last year and living a minimalist lifestyle, let me further explain how I can afford to travel.
When I visited Mackinac Island, I walked by The Grand Hotel but could not go inside as I wasn’t following the required dress code. The cheapest single room rate is $615 per weeknight. The list of guest expectations/requirements and extra fees are half a page long on the website. Instead, I chose to stay at the city campground with no flushing toilets for $20/night. I’m pretty sure that the folks in the campground were enjoying their summer as much as the folks rocking in chairs on the Grand’s porch. I met a kind couple spending the summer in Mackinaw City Campground babysitting their grandsons while their daughter and son-in-law work on the island. I met another semi-retired couple on the ferry ride who bragged about their children and grandchildren. They’re able to travel extensively because they spent so many years simplifying their lives and becoming debt-free. They worked hard so they could play. When we all lay our heads on our pillows at night, our resting location and the cost thereof has little to do with the thoughts that put us to sleep.
I’m a teacher – a MIDDLE SCHOOL teacher – and I love my job. My answer to the “what do you do for a living?” question always garners fun responses and sparks interesting conversation. I explain how I’ve chosen to work in a rural, agricultural community near my family and filled with the kindest people I know. Overall, I think I get “paid” on the much lower end of an already low national average teacher salary; yet, I am unsure my “income” can be compared to any other teacher. My students have a willingness to learn and are genuinely kind towards each other. The faculty, staff, and administration are a constant – most of whom purposely chose this school district to work and the community in which to live. I get to watch my students emerge and fly. That’s what I do for a living, so I am rich.
Finally, as the daughter of a beekeeper and a teacher, I was taught to work hard, love Jesus, and be kind. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, nor did I marry into wealth. I did not choose a career that would put me on the Forbes list, but I’m living my dreams.
Chasing Verbs 