Three's

Okay, I admit it. I have been known to be a tiny bit stubborn from time to time.

My parents LOVE to tell this story...

When I was probably three or four and learning to write my numbers and letters, I consistently wrote the number three backwards. My mom and dad tried tirelessly to convince me to change the direction of my three's but to no avail. We had many conversations that went something like this:

Mom/Dad: That's very nice, but your three is backwards
Tiffany: No it isn't. That's how I make my three's.
Mom/Dad: But, a three is supposed to face the other way.
Tiffany: Okay, but this is how I make MY three's.

End of conversation.

As one might imagine, my childhood (teen years, college years, post-college years...) proved to be quite a challenge because of my unwillingness to back down...from anyone or anything.

I would like to point out here that my strong will has, in fact, saved me from a few fashion disasters over the years...such as the skinny jean. I meant it when I said that I will NEVER wear skinny jeans. Quite frankly, I believe they are a fashion mistake for just about anyone. On the flip side, my strong will probably left me with extraordinarily large bangs a season or two past their prime...as I was convinced that they provided a "classic" look.

But I digress...

Fortunately, the Lord placed people in my life along the way who began to teach me to turn my strong will into a determination to follow Christ. My stubbornness was not a curse but a gift that was being misused. While I know this to be true, there are still moments where I find myself refusing to change the direction of my three's.

Case in point...

I am a teacher. And, most seasoned teachers know that when given a suggestion or task by an administrator, it is okay to smile and nod in agreement...and then do whatever you want to do. This has worked well for me over the years...until now. I now teach in a special program in our district where many eyes are watching my every move. I can no longer blend into the crowd and do my own thing. I must give up control and CONFORM even when I think MY way is better. This has been more difficult than I care to admit. It seems that lurking around every corner is another test of my willingness to surrender and to CHANGE.

Come to think of it, life in Colorado has been one giant confrontation with life not done MY way...the way people drive, communicate, educate, decorate, eat, think, dress, worship, spend money, prioritize, and on and on. While entirely frustrating at times, living here has been an opportunity for the Lord to stretch me in areas of my life where I have held on too tightly.

And He has.

SO MANY TIMES, I have wanted to pack my bags and move back to Houston...because that would be easier. And SO MANY TIMES, the Lord has convinced me that He wants me to trust HIS plan and to stay. Change is NEVER easy, especially for Yours Truly who likes CONTROL. But, I have found that a willingness to surrender only leads to greater peace, increased contentment, and a deeper trust in Jesus Christ.

And a correctly constructed number THREE.

Disclaimer...
By no means does this imply that I intend to end the discussion of my bizarre life in Colorado. I am willing to make changes, People, but I will not surrender my quest for an acceptable pedicure, a restaurant that stays open past 9, or a well manicured lawn. Or an appropriately sized pumpkin for that matter. Change is one thing, but complete disregard for sensible living practices simply crosses the line.