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Called By Grandma

I have lived with an inner conflict my entire life Since early childhood I wanted to be a teacher But I was raised in an old-timey country church Everyone almost assumed I would be a minister. My grandmother was most influential early on And, I heard her say many times in conversations “Milton is going to the preacher in this family!” As I matured it seemed, without any hesitations. My profession in life was Grandma preordained, I joked I was called to the ministry by my grandma. Deep in my heart, I yearned to be schoolteacher But I prepared for ministry without undue hoopla. Now, I realize I was really a life-long teacher Always mingling the two professions very well I would have been much happier in a classroom Of kids, than I ever was pursuing the Holy Grail!* Statistics say many people change their profession During midlife, pursuing what pleases them most But, when a Grandma says you are to do something Who's to argue with the call of the Holy Ghost?* Written August 17, 2022 [*absolutely no disrespect is intended here, to be sure!] SECOND PLACE WINNER submitted to "Inner Conflict" Poetry Contest sponsored by Unseeking Seeker

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/20/2022 12:33:00 AM

The holy ghost used your Grandma, but I believe you were where you were meant to be and not only were you a "a life-long teacher" but through poetry, you remain a life-long teacher.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/20/2022 9:20:00 AM

Aw, thanks, Caren. I certainly hope so. When I would tell Deb how I felt, she would say, "My, don't you realize how many people you have helped in your life???" I suppose, as usual, she was right!

Elizabeth Mccann

Date: 8/17/2022 5:38:00 PM

And I wanted to be a writer but the school said I had to do science. So here I am, back here, like you, like all of us Poetry Soupers! I love your Grandma, though. Elizabeth

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 6:04:00 PM

I suspect it is a common thing, Elizabeth. I'm so happy that you are getting to do something you wanted to do all your life now. I managed, as I said, to combine the two. And, yes, I did get to do some classroom teaching during my years in the ministry. I loved those times. Thanks for understanding.

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/17/2022 3:34:00 PM

Tom is right, Milt. I know how much flak you put up with by some on the site, and you've been patient until you had enough. You're to be commended for usually taking the high road.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 6:06:00 PM

Thanks, Jenna. Well, there is a limit to what I can take, just like everyone else, I suppose. I do try to take the high road...always have, always will. I don't know how people who lie, cheat, and steal can sleep at night. I couldn't! But, I want you to know I do sleep very well at night.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 8/17/2022 3:05:00 PM

Maybe she saw something in you that you didn't see and you went on to become a very successful minister, of that I have no doubt. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 8/17/2022 6:08:00 PM

Oh, I was very successful, Tom. I suppose I was meant to do it in some sense of the word. Almost every church I served doubled in size, and I still have people who consider me their pastor. I have loved helping people my whole life, but, I've taken a lot of flak along the way. I guess it was worth it. Hearing Grandma say she was proud of me before she died made it all worthwhile.