I’ve never been very confident, and thought that college, extra classes, trainings, and internships would help solve all of the problems that come when you constantly have an excuse for why you’re not qualified for something. But sometimes you just have to take that step into what your heart is longing to do and just see what opens up. Some of the most successful people started off not having a clue what they were doing, but had the confidence to fake it till they made it. Well- good for them, lol- anyways, I’m not actually going to talk about confidence this time…still waiting for that to sink in…ha!
I HAD A PLAN! A plan to get me some of that confidence…a plan to be pretty amazing because of all I was going to accomplish! I had a perfect mixture of ambition, passion and hard work ethic to get me through college and eventually to the perfect career. I was going to change the world, help people that were hurting, travel, and do some art while I was at it. Somewhere along the college path I learned you could combine ART + COUNSELing= art therapy!! And I knew that was for me. PLUS, how super important would I sound if I said, “yes Hi! I’m Savannah and I’m an Art Therapist. Nice to meet you…” Or “I’m Dr. Savannah Box a Psychologist that can solve all your problems…”
But somewhere along the way (actually at several somewheres) I knew God was showing me that He knew exactly what was in my heart, what would make me happy, and I needed to loosen the death grip I had on my dreams. He was asking me to keep my hands open with the desires of my heart.
“How can I do that?! I NEED a Masters degree. I’ll have no voice, no influence, no credibility. Who would listen to me? I am nobody!”
But I was realizing that the healing I was seeing in the psych world- the counseling and problem solving- led you to answers void of God… and was not the tools that would lead me to what was in my heart. My deep dreams and passions were bigger than what I or school was capable of accomplishing, I needed God to do what only He could do.
And this is my current journey- having to be constantly reminded that I can do all things, and learning to enjoy the process as the exact dreams of my heart unfold before my eyes. I never thought Id get to experience and lead others through inner healing, art therapy with children, and write- but somehow helping with children’s ministry, being married to and being a pastor, and being a stay at home mom- have opened these doors. ALL things I said I never, EVER wanted!!! But at each point that these opportunities presented themselves, I said yes even when I was afraid or couldn’t see how this could possibly lead me in the direction I was wanting.
So hold those dreams and plans with open hands and let your Heavenly Father, who knows all things and every desire of your heart, direct your path. IF you’ve been on a specific path, and have not let God be a part of your journey, you are never too late. God does not waste ANYTHING!!! He promises to work all things together for good.
Take some time and look at what’s in your heart and what you feel drawn and called to. What are those dreams that you’ve buried away since you were a child? Even the crazy ones… I wanted to be a ballerina and own a gas station so I could give everyone in my family free gas…since apparently those gas prices were “outrageous!” Ahahaha!
Look at it all and dream. Ask God what He thinks about it all and where He thinks you should go moving forward. He has a way of working everything out and fulfilling hearts at the deepest level. <3
Testimony TIME:
I’ve always wanted to experience different cultures AND I thought that would look like traveling the world but what it actually has looked like is living in areas like Vallejo and Novato where there is NO minority or majority…we are surrounded by every nation! I’ve gotten to go on missions trips to Fiji, China, India…and I’m married to a fantastic guy who grew up in Africa. And, currently, some of my best friends are Mexican, German, and Texan :’-D!!! The food experiences are amazing!!!
I have gotten to partner with several people on their journey through heart healing and experiencing their true identity. AND even have been woken up the night before with ideas for art therapy solutions when working with a few kids. So much fun!!!!
Encouraging verses for you to hold on to on your journey:
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 7:7
Philippians 4:6-7, & 13
Romans 8:28