"Pivot"

Have you ever been driving in a direction without paying close attention and realized you were going the wrong way unintentionally? When you realized this, what was your next move? Or maybe you were headed to the store for something but suddenly remembered you already had it or no longer needed it? Upon realization, what was your next step?

With either of these situations, it would not make sense to continue. And while I’m just using them as simple examples, in life, we experience times when we are headed a certain way and are either forced, or sense a strong urge to, change direction, to pivot.

When I looked up the definition of the word, pivot, several meanings were provided. The one that stood out the most is as follows: “completely change the way in which one does something.” Pivoting while driving may not be much of a big deal. Pivoting while "lifing"? Not so simple. But choosing not to pivot can be disastrous.

My Original Route:

As a kid, I made a decision that when I grew up, I would be an elementary teacher. This was not my first choice. According to my 2nd grade essay, I wanted to be a social worker. The research showed me that they did not make much money, so I changed my mind and decided that I would be a teacher to help families, specifically, kids.

My mind was made up from that point on. “I’m going to be an elementary school teacher!” This was my declaration, proclamation, determination… and any other “-ation” that fits. As I matured and began to develop a relationship with the Lord and a prayer life, I prayed about many of my life’s decisions, except what to be when I grew up. That part was already decided. No need to ask God about what I already knew…right?

I went to college, eventually obtained a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, and became a teacher. There were other gifts being stirred and rising to the surface, but they all took a backseat as I headed to my “destination.” For about 13 years, I taught tons of kids of various ages in different settings. Six and a half years of teaching core subjects at one school, followed by 5 years of teaching art at another. When that school shut down, I was left with a decision to make. Where to now?

Teaching art was already a pivot decision I had to pray about. Now, I would have to pray about and decide my next pivot. Sometimes we pivot out of choice, but other times, pivots are forced due to situations outside of our control. I prayed and asked the Lord, “Which school should I go to next?” Crickets. No response. Looking back, I can clearly see my mistake. Hindsight really is 20/20. The thought didn’t occur to me that perhaps the closure was a great way to wrap up my teaching career. I was asking the wrong question. I assumed that it didn’t matter the school because no matter where I went, I would be a blessing and be blessed! So, I decided to go back to where it all began, first grade.

Redirection:

The school year started off strong! I received so many gifts for my new classroom, including beautifully painted walls! All the preparations were in place for #FunInFirst! After my first day of meeting with the other teachers, however, I felt a check in my spirit. Something was off. I went to the principal and casually stated, “I think I made a mistake. I don’t think I should have come here.” Of course, this statement probably caught her off guard, but she stated that I just needed to get used to the new faculty. I shrugged it off and went on with the school year.

Many details unfolded, more than a blog post would allow, but by December, I was well aware that I would NOT be coming back the next school year. To say, “God told me,” is an understatement. People use this phrase so loosely, though, that I’m sometimes hesitant to say it. Some may not believe that God “speaks” to people. I pray that anyone that doesn’t believe He does gets still and in the Word enough to have an authentic, personal encounter. I finished out that school year and put in my resignation.

The end of the school year included the COVID shut down, making the transition less dramatic. When school returned that fall, I experienced slight grief. My normal “set up the classroom to establish the fun vibes” experience wasn’t happening. Who am I if I’m not in the classroom? It became clear to me that my identity had become too wrapped up in my career. To continue on that route would be a sacrifice, maybe a fulfilling one, but obedience is better than sacrifice.

Since then, I have worked in some educational settings with kids on a smaller scale by providing tutoring in reading and working with children at churches. I’ve also subbed here and there, but even in those settings, I can feel the shift. The pivot has been away from children and more towards older teens and adults. The passion for teaching in elementary schools transferred. The grace lifted and shifted to supporting adults, including those who work with children. I had the awesome opportunity to work as an Instructional Coach/Adjunct Professor, spending two years teaching candidates working on their teacher certification. Had I ignored the tug to leave, I would not have had this experience.

Biblical Accounts of Proper Pivots:

We read many accounts of God “interrupting” people’s lives with new instructions that went against their norm. Of course, this is not every one of them, but here are a few accounts you can choose to explore for personal study. Be sure to read the accounts in context for a deeper understanding.

The Disciples - In Matthew 4:19, Jesus approaches Simon (Peter) and Andrew and says to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (NKJV). Here is their opportunity to pivot. They are still fishing, but in a different way. They “immediately” pivot and follow Jesus as do James and John a few verses later. While they were making a living fishing for fish, they experienced miracles and became a part of something greater than themselves because of their decision to obey. Check out the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to read more!

Paul - In Acts 9, we read about Saul on his mission to kill all who followed Jesus. Along his journey, he has an encounter. He’s struck by a great light to the point where he hits the ground. Then, Saul hears the voice of the Lord and is challenged to pivot. “Arise and go.” Saul’s name is changed to Paul, and he not only stops killing Christians, but becomes a Christian preacher. From persecutor to preacher…Talk about a pivot!

Biblical Accounts of People Refusing to Properly Pivot:

We just looked at a few examples of people accepting and obeying God’s direction to pivot. Refusing to pivot when God is leading you to do so, however, can have its consequences. Personally, years after leaving the classroom, I learned that I had a brain tumor (Read previous blog post, “In Recovery”). Being an elementary teacher may seem like a job of playing all day, but this is not the case. Had I not left when I did, only God knows what would have happened.

The Bible provides us with plenty of examples of people who refused to pivot or delayed in their pivot. Let’s look at a few.

Jonah -In the Book of Jonah, we read that God tells Johah to “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me” (NKJV). Jonah is told exactly where to go and what to do. Instead of obeying these instructions, he chooses to pivot and go in another direction, to Tarshish. On his way there, he ends up in a storm, and his refusal to pivot affects the others around him. They realize this and toss him overboard. Jonah ends up in the belly of a whale! Eventually, Jonah repents and gets another opportunity to follow the original instructions. This time, he obeys! Be sure to read the book for more context. (It’s only 4 chapters!)

Lot’s Wife -In Genesis 19, we read about a sinful city, Sodom, that is being destroyed because of lawlessness. Lot and his family are being saved from the destruction. Angels tell them “Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city…Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.” (Genesis 19:15 & 17, NKJV). So they are given instructions to pivot and told the consequences of what would happen if they did not. In verse 26, we read, “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (NKJV). Lot’s wife receives instant death for “unpivoting.”

As stated, I have only provided a small amount of examples for the sake of length. We see that our decision to be obedient and make the shift as God leads has personal benefits but also benefits those who we will encounter after we shift. When we refuse to obey, the consequences can be detrimental, even deadly.

Any time I write a blog, poem, book, or any other literary piece, the purpose is for others to have an opportunity to read, relate, and reflect. Considering this, you’ve just read about my personal experience. Can you relate in any way? Is there anything in particular that stands out or resonates with you? As you ponder your own life shifts, check out the bible verses and reflection questions below.

After you reflect, remember to pray the prayer included at the end of this post. Feel free to comment your thoughts. If you would like to respond personally and privately, email me at tinithewriter@gmail.com. Also, my first children's book, The Box, provides an illustrated, kid-friendly description of responding to the need to pivot. You can read and discuss with the whole family!

A Few Verses to Consider:

Isaiah 43:19 (NKJV)- "Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not perceive it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert".

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)-Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)- A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Psalm 119:133 (NKJV)- Direct my steps by Your Word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Questions for Reflection:

(Only answer the questions in the response section if you feel comfortable, but please be sure to reflect on them for yourself.)

1. What major life pivot have you experienced? Did you initiate the pivot or were you forced to pivot due to circumstances outside of your control? How did you handle the pivot?

   
   

2. Are you sensing the need to pivot? How are you preparing for the shift? Have you been avoiding it? If so, why?

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank You for Your mercy and patience. Forgive us for the times we have not been still enough to hear Your instructions and for the times we’ve heard but ignored or disobeyed. Forgive us for times when we’ve made an idol out of temporary assignments and placed them before You.

Help us to trust that You are a God of purpose and that Your plans for us are for a hope and a future—even when it feels uncomfortable or unclear. Father, help us release what no longer serves Your purpose for our lives (person, place, or thing). Grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace this new season with boldness and trust in You.

Order our steps. Renew our minds. Make our path plain, and illuminate it with Your Word.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.