Empty me, Fill me, & Use me?
I should have sat down at the computer much sooner and continued writing my story, but perhaps everything happens in God’s time. So much has happened over the past three months since my last post.
Another school year came to an end. Summer turned out to be one of the busiest I can remember. My family and I traveled to San Diego and experienced Disneyland for the very first time, along with a few return trips to some of our favorite places. I learned that I would be teaching a brand-new class this school year, had the privilege of serving on another retreat team, and just this past weekend celebrated my high school’s 25-year class reunion.
As I reflect on these past few months, one phrase continues to echo in my heart:
“Empty me, fill me, and use me.”
These words came to me during my Lenten prayer journey, and they have stayed with me ever since. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Sometimes we question why certain doors close while others unexpectedly open. We may never fully understand God’s timing or His plan, but we are called to remain open and ready for wherever He leads us.
As I begin this new school year, I have chosen these words as my personal prayer and battle cry.
Empty me, Lord, of my selfish desires, pride, fears, and past hurts. Remove anything that prevents me from serving You and those You have entrusted to my care.
Fill me with Your wisdom, patience, and love. Fill me with the knowledge and enthusiasm needed to teach my students well—not only helping them understand the subject matter, but inspiring them to appreciate it and discover the joy of learning. May I model Your example in the classroom each and every day.
Use me as an instrument of Your love and truth. Allow me to plant seeds that extend far beyond academics, especially in my new entrepreneurship class. May my students not only learn how to build businesses, but also develop integrity, perseverance, creativity, and a heart for serving others.
Looking back, I realize that many of the unexpected turns in my life were actually preparations for what lies ahead. This new school year is more than just another beginning—it is another opportunity for me to become a student myself.
The more I reflect on this new challenge, the more excited I become. Teaching entrepreneurship gives me the opportunity to combine my graduate studies, my passion for education, my experiences in business, and even the lessons I have learned through beekeeping and other personal projects. I have the chance to build something meaningful alongside my students instead of simply teaching from a textbook.
In many ways, this class is also encouraging me to become an entrepreneur myself. Perhaps the business ideas I develop will remain classroom examples. Perhaps they will grow into something much larger. Only God knows where that journey will lead.
One thing I do know is that learning should never stop. Graduation is not the finish line—it is simply another milestone. We are lifelong learners, continually growing in knowledge, wisdom, faith, and service.
So, as this new chapter begins, my prayer remains simple:
Empty me. Fill me. Use me.
To be continued…