Lent Faith Stories: Anne Torgerson

I have the best job.

When I go to work I get to tell stories, write dramas, paint pictures, make cookies. I get to teach history, enforce good manners and plan festivals. I sew costumes and set up tents. Next month I'm creating a museum. And through it all I get to boldly sing about God, tell about God, and celebrate God.

I have the best job.

And I want to thank Palms Presbyterian for playing a large part in leading me to this place.

Last spring the Women's Network hosted Beth Moore's study of Esther. I am a big fan of Beth Moore so I was eager to sign up for the class. From the very beginning Beth promised that the book of Esther wasn't just about one orphan girl realizing her destiny but it was about all of us finding our destiny. Feeling that my life had become rather stagnant, I held my breath and completed every assignment. Oh what would my destiny be?

The class ended. Good class. My destiny? No clue.

But four of us from our small group at the study decided to continue to meet and start a new study. We chose a book recommended to us by Andrew. It was How to Find Your Personal Path to Success - Keys to Living Out Your Purpose and Passion by Robin Chaddock. I was in it more because the women were fun than because I really thought I would get anything out of the book.

Long story short - I did get something out of it. I recognized the abilities, interests and passions that I had within me that I hadn't been fully utilizing. Just as I reached the end of the book, an ad for a job came to my attention. Normally I would have let it pass. But armed with a new sense of purpose and adventure I took a chance. As Mordecai told Esther, "Who knows?"

Who knew? I love my job as the Children's Minister at Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to delve into the studies offered at Palms and allow them to change how I thought about myself and what I had to contribute. And I love my friends and family at Palms who continue to assist my development as they answer my questions, "How do you . . . " "Where did you . . . " "How can I . . . "

Thank you Palms Presbyterian!

Anne Torgerson