When I chose to become a teacher to students with special needs I knew this was what God wanted from me. I felt confident that I could provide the structure and consistency these children desperately needed and working in this field has been fulfilling. I see God at work in the classroom and in my own heart.
I am growing in my devotion to God and my understanding of His peace in my life and His justice in the world. However, when a friend, Jen Kelsey, challenged me to share the things I am learning with someone else, I was startled. What was she talking about? Who would listen to me? What do I possibly know that I can pass on? I looked at my shoes and hoped she would not bring it up again.
She brought it up again. There was this fear in my heart. I mentally ticked off excuses; I do not have time, no one wants to hear what I think, I am still learning, I don’t know enough, I don’t even know how to find someone to tell. Next, she asked a question that put an end to all my excuses. “Who already comes to you for advice?” Immediately, I thought of Bonnie, my teaching aid. We spend 40 hours a week side by side. She likes me, she looks up to me, she stays after class to ask questions about life. It almost seems too easy. Then the excuses flooded back in; would this change our relationship? Is this very professional? What if she says no? Fear again.
The next time I saw Bonnie I was beyond nervous, but I asked her to join me in reading the Bible and to my delight, she agreed! We began with Lessons on Assurance. After the first two verses she broke into a huge smile and said, “No one has ever talked to me this much about the Bible! When can we do this again?”
“Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others” .
(2 Timothy 2:2 MSG)
*Names have been changed. Story has been used with permission.
Andra is part of Navigators 20s in Oklahoma City. She and Bonnie will be taking a short break while Andra is on a mission trip to Whales where she plans to tell more people the things she is learning.
