I am currently teaching the 7th and 8th grade class on Sunday morning. For the first time I can remember, my class is made up entirely of young ladies. I've no experience in dealing with young ladies having raised up two sons. They are a wonderful group. They are very well behaved and seem eager to learn. They participate very well in the class. I've learned as much from them as they have from me, probably more so. I've had to ditch some of my usual sports analogies though..
We are studying the book of Acts. We recently studied Acts 8 and the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. One word in one the verses we studied struck me particularly.
Acts 8:29-30 - Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip RAN thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said , Understandest thou what thou readest?KJV - My emphasis.
The eunuch was in his chariot trying to read the book of Isaiah and was having difficultly. The Holy Spirit told Philip to go to him. Philip didn't hesitate, he RAN to make sure he caught up to this man. I can tell you what I'd have probably (sadly) done. I would have argued "But this man won't want me bugging him". Or, I would have dragged my feet until the chariot was out of sight and said "See he's already out of sight, I couldn't have caught up with him anyway".
Philip showed the enthusiasm for the work of the Lord that all Christians should have. He made sure he caught up to this man to help him understand what he read and ultimately to obey the Gospel.
I will tell you that a big hindrance I have is I am not a social person. I tend to be the "strong silent type". This to me is a hindrance to doing those things a Christian should. I certainly cannot teach someone or help them with their needs if I won't even try to talk to them or acknowledge them. I am trying to do better though. I was in a training class in St. Louis last week. I made a special effort to talk to everybody in class. On Wednesday, I was in class finishing a lab before lunch (everyone else had left). Our teacher asked what I was doing for lunch. I started to say "Oh, I am going to stay here and work". But, I finally said "I'm heading out to eat, mind if I go with you?". We had an enjoyable time talking at the Olive Garden. We saw a Lion's Choice on the way back and he said "I've always wondered how those are". I told him that these places put Arby's to shame. So, we went there the next day, and he totally agreed with me.
It's a start anyways. I am going to make a special effort to try and talk to people more and not be so reserved.
