During college many of us had to take “core” classes. In liberal arts college, like I attended, the idea was simple: We are committed to producing graduates who have a well-rounded education. I remember taking Southeast Asian history, thinking during the entire semester,
“I will never use this in my lifetime!” Oddly enough, Doug’s sister, Dianne, who is an executive with General Motors, took an assignment in Singapore. She flew our family out to visit and treated us to a trip to Thailand. With God, nothing is ever wasted!
In high school I took three years of French and two years of French in college. Our son, Blake, was able to study in Paris during one of his college semesters. I was amazed at how quickly he picked up the language and knew how to navigate Paris like a native! Although I enjoy French, it has been a long time since I have used it. Chalk it up to Exhibit A of a “well rounded education.”
This summer I will be joining a mission team from West Ohio Conference to offer discipleship training for youth in the North Katanga Conference of the United Methodist Church, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During our first meeting, they explained that we would need to factor in the time for translation. French is their primary language. As we have been working on preparing the curriculum, I realized that I will at least be able to read the Bible to the youth in French! With God, nothing is ever wasted!
As a pastor, I often hear people put themselves down by saying, ” I can’t do this” or “I can’t do that.” As we study the Parable of the Talents this weekend, I invite you to to celebrate who and whose you are: You are a unique child of God who has been created to bless the world. Let us focus on what we can do and give God all the glory!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy Johns