Something About Me *I* Didn't Even Know

I remember when I was early pregnant with Kaeley and I was speaking with my pastor at the time. I told him, "I really don't like kids... in groups, I mean." I had decided that kids in groups were just not my thing. Since then I have stayed as far away from teaching children as I could. I've worked in Children's Ministry, but have stayed close to the early ages who don't need much planning and... uh, talking to.
This year I really wanted to work in the same Sunday class that Brad signed up for. Brad really wanted to work in the first grade class again, so I signed us up. However, one of us needed to be the teacher. Seeing as how Brad gets very cranky at the talk of teaching, I decided it was something I would have to at least try. The planning for the lesson, which only involves reading two or three pages and writing my notes on an index card, still intimidates me, but as it turns out... I love teaching!
Then, a couple of months before the Academy started for us, one of the coordinators called me and asked if I would be willing to teach a Cooking Class. I didn't need to plan anything, I just needed to fill in an empty spot they had on the schedule. I didn't even see the recipe I was teaching until an hour before the class started! I was less nervous about this class. I was going to say I was more comfortable in the kitchen, but that would imply I was more nervous in the church. I guess the church is more responsibility, because you're imparting upon the young children the realness of God and you don't want them to dread going to church. In the kitchen I can follow a recipe like everybody else. The hardest question in the kitchen would be something like, "How do you saute apples?" In the Sunday class it could be, "Can you please explain the meaning of life?" To which I would answer, "I'd be happy to make you an apple pancake."
Anyway, my Cooking Class went very smoothly and the kids walked away very proud of their dish. I can't wait until next Academy Day, because, as it turns out, I love teaching! It brought me pride, confidence, and excitement.
Yes, it's a secret even I didn't know I possessed.