Today, on our walk home from Gabrielle’s school, I discovered that my daughter and I are currently learning about the same things in our German courses: food! My very first thought was “WOW! That’s pretty neat.” And my very next thought was…”Wow, that’s also kind of humbling.” I am learning the same information as my 6 year-old daughter! I can’t help but laugh as I am writing this. At the same time, I realize how special it is…and how fortunate we are to be here living out our calling and dream here in Germany.
In reality, we all must start with the basics and work our way up from there. This can be applied not only to learning language, but also to being in a relationship, to working one’s way up the corporate ladder, etc. Some people begin the process sooner than others. In my case, my daughter is learning at the same (or faster) pace than me! But that’s not the important part. We all began our journey with nothing and learn and grow with time. God gives us what we need to grow for each season of life. I am reminded of Matthew 6:28 — “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.” A flower does not need to ask for nutrients, sunlight and rain. God graciously provides it all. Similarly, on each of our journeys, what we need is provided when we solely depend on the Creator. Part of what we need to grow is gradual, paced learning. If we didn’t receive these basic lessons and skipped to the more advanced stuff we would stumble all over the place. We would not be useful vessels for God’s mission in the world.
Thank goodness we have the Holy Spirit to help us discern which way to go. And none of us have reached the final lesson yet as long as we are still here on earth. So we continue on, learning as we go. And we learn to find joy and meaning in what feels “basic” or unexciting. We rejoice in the victories we have accomplished thus far and we look forward to many, many, more.
Isn’t it funny what God can show you on a ten minute walk home with your daughter? All of this in connection to talking about Lebensmittel, or groceries.
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