Five Perspective Changers
My wife, Diane, and I had a meeting scheduled, and we were told to bring a silver platter, a rubber band, a joke book, a pad of paper, and a pen.
We had no clue where we were going. Fifteen minutes later we arrived on a dusty mountain top with communication towers. Jim said, “We’re going for a walk.”
During our walk and talk, he asked why we wanted to teach for the summer in South Korea. Then he quizzed us about the platter and the other items.
After guessing what the platter represented, we realized teaching overseas would require the heart of a servant. Teachers in cross-cultural situations also needed the flexibility of a rubber band. The joke book reminded us to always maintain a sense of humor. The pad of paper and the pen together meant we needed to be prepared to record what we learned.
That summer and the following summer, we taught adults oral and written communication skills in South Korea.
The time on the mountain top remains a vivid memory. As I write stories for children, I keep in mind that I need to serve others, be flexible, have a sense of humor, and be open to learn.
Join me and others as we pray for God’s wisdom every day.
