Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:1-4 NIV)
REFLECTION
Before I embarked on my Asian Adventure, I viewed teaching children as simply a noble day job, to pay the bills in an honest, worthy way, while I worked on my writing and explored Asia. In fact, I had no natural affinity for children at all. I truly admired teachers of children who were fully committed to educating meandering minds in the way they should go, I just didn’t relate. When I started teaching kids, there was a novelty to such a new demanding challenge, but once that novelty faded, a dull dread would go with me as I plodded to classes. But, this persistent plodding was actually developing within me the unseen beauty of perseverance, which led to a shift in perspective and I began to better appreciate the value of the work I was engaged in, whereby my students and I were being refined in the confines of the classroom. And the particularly painful parts that required extraordinary patience helped my students learn well and equipped me to climb the mountain that loomed large in my soul…which I’m still in the process of climbing, in faith, hope and our Heavenly Father’s merciful love. Onward and upward, until we are finally Home.
PRAYER POEM: Steadfast
Loving Lord, as I bless Your name and in Your Word remain, my heart becomes lighter as Living Hope hoists me higher.
Of this I am sure: secure in my Saviour’s steadfast love, there is nothing I can’t endure.
