The youngest of 4 girls, I was born into a house full of hairbrushes and shoes, stuffed animals and emotional drama. Our mother was trying to raise ladies – debutants if possible! My dad was trying to pay for it all and stay out of the way. We girls were just trying to make our hair fit with the current fashion and turn the head of a cute boy.
Early on, I alone took the bait offered by mom and started ballet at 5. In just 3 years all I could think about were costumes, recitals and steps to classical music. I was completely obsessed. They used to yell at me from downstairs when the chandelier started shaking, “Anna, stop jumping!”
Years and performances flew by. School was a necessary evil that stood in my way of getting to the studio. I did however, enjoy anything art-related… and Bible class after Jesus entered my world. In my mind, He had come to be with me and help me with my big dreams and goals. We became tight-knit, close friends, but it wasn’t until I turned 19 that I actually surrendered my desires, and skills, and all my training into His ever-loving hands. I began to trust.
What followed seemed like “doors closing” when actually it was God’s “redirection” with blessings un-thought-of. In less then 3 years I was happily married, leaving the stage to teach (things I had said I’d never do). In offering ALL to Him, He had stepped in and changed my heart’s desires. I wasn’t following my plan anymore. I was following His. It’s been thrilling and far more fulfilling than anything I had hoped for.
What a journey it is to trust God with all of today, and tomorrow and the rest. I would not change a thing. His plans are perfect!
ForGlorySake! – Anna
