In my work with students with special needs, it is easy to see God’s hand. I enjoy the work, and I am growing in my devotion to God and in my understanding of His peace in my life and His justice in the world.
However, when a friend 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 seemed 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).
Resources
Reflect: is there someone like Bonnie in your life who already comes to you for advice? Might they be open to reading the Bible with you?
*Names have been changed. Story has been used with permission.
