... I never imagined that this new season of life would be as busy as it is, but I guess that is my fault. My transition from Mississippi to Pennsylvania- from a life of touring and performing professionally as a ballet dancer with Ballet Magnificat, to now doing life as a ballet teacher, has been going rather smoothly. But where I was expecting for my workload to be lightened this season, I am now realizing it isn't going to happen, at least not until the school year that I'm locked into is over. Upon arriving in Lancaster PA this past August, I hit the ground running with my various teaching jobs, which luckily, were opportunities lined up for me prior to me even moving. Within only weeks of being back in Lancaster, I was able to land myself into this affordable and adorable little loft apartment of mine, which I still need to share pictures of with you!
I absolutely LOVE my jobs at Silver Spring Dance Conservatory and the Cavod Academy of the Arts. I teach five days a week in the evenings and alternate every other day at each school. I have fallen in love with ALL of my students and can only hope they feel the same way about me! On top of all the teaching I do in the evenings, I have acquired a morning job too, to help ends meet, a prayer request answered from a previous blog post. Thank you to all those of you that joined me in prayer over the matter! I am proud to share, in the mornings I am the front desk receptionist for the Inn at Kitchen Kettle Village and cross-train in housekeeping, a most ideal morning job offering the exact hours I was praying for and conveniently located not far from where I live! And working there is SO FUN! I am so pleased with things! Life is good, and God truly has supplied all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Phil.4:19)
If you are local or just passing through, Kitchen Kettle Village is a must-stop tourist attraction, self described as "showcasing all that Lancaster County has to offer — homemade baked goods, jams and relishes, good food with unexpected touches and charming one-of-a-kind overnight lodging in a picturesque countryside. Also famous for our unique shopping experience, featuring 40 distinct merchants offering everything from locally-made art, pottery and PA Dutch quilts to name-brand favorites like Brighton, PANDORA Jewelry, UGG and Minnetonka moccasins. Spend the day and/or night. With plenty of things to do in the Village and around PA Dutch County, Kitchen Kettle make it easy to plan a great trip to Lancaster, PA."
One prayer request that has not yet been met is my desire to find balance- balance in my working vs. resting, pouring out vs. making time for being filled... but as of late I've been starting to believe that this is a prayer request not meant to be met. After listening to this sermon by Church of the City New York, I've been convinced that the idea of balance in life is simply an unattainable social construct, and that seeking after balance in our day is NOT as crucial as just seeking the Lord and what his will is for our day, and then following through. BUT, maybe it would be helpful for you to know what I was defining balance as. To me, a perfectly balanced life would be perfectly predictable, consistent, manageable, controlled days where work is complimented perfectly by an equivalent amount of rest. I've come to realize that just isn't realistic. That is just not how life works. And when I think about it, it certainly would not be an accurate description of the life of Jesus, which is the life we all model our own after, isn't it?
My problem is that I am a workaholic, and changing locations from one state to another is not going to change that. Balance is not the answer either. I can and should be more strategic with how I spend my time and more intentional with scheduling margins and periods of rest into my days and weeks (I could prepare a whole spiel on what I'm learning about why rest is so important but that is a topic for another day), but ultimately, I'm learning that, going about my day, I simply need to be more yielding to the Holy Spirit, and then whatever the state-of-being is that I am seeking, will come.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
~ Matthew 11:28-30
Give the sermon a listen! I would love to know what you think about this? Feel free to let us know in the comment section down below because I know fellow readers and I would love to know your thoughts! Let's start discussion!
With that being said, Anywho anyhow, 😏 I have no regrets making the move! I surprisingly don't miss dancing professionally much at all. Teaching ballet keeps me enough in the realm of physical activity, music, and creating, it helps with the transition. Not to mention, after more than an exhausting decade of striving to be good enough in dance (so worth it but...), I am ready to pass the baton. No longer a "missionary/starving artist", I have never been more financially independent and not rich but stable, in all my life, not that money is everything, but I am enjoying it- this blessing from the Lord. I have also been attending Crossway Church of Millersville which I am excited to become a member of. I enjoy their scripture based teaching, and hospitable welcoming atmosphere.
Looking back on this past semester, I know I have lots to thank the Lord for. I have so much room for growth as a ballet teacher but I know that will come with time. I am really looking forward to the opportunities coming up next semester, such as choreographing and master class teaching which I know will only help with the growing process. Though this Occupied Optimist has kept rather busy these past couple of months with my other jobs, my sewing business has managed to stay afloat! Despite the busy schedule, I feel like I have a better handle on things now. I hope to give a bit more attention to Lilly's Creations again, and blogging! I have so many good recipes I've been wanting to share with you since I have more time to cook now as well as fun stories, and things God has been teaching me that I want to share with you so stay tuned!
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