Before arriving home and facing the unfortunate necessity of returning to teach, I had planned on writing a three year ESL Bible Study curriculum. To faciliate that plan, I would enrol in the Laidlaw-Carey Centre for Distance Learning to do a Graduate Diploma of Theology. All the while, I would continue to write. I had consulted with the Fab Four and others about what such a curriculum should cover.
Then I became increasingly aware that although I knew how to research and write language lessons, and I had forty-five years of church attendance, Bible Class, and Bible study behind me, I really didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Then circumstances took over. I applied for a nice quiet job as an ESOL teacher but it flew out the window when they offered me the Head of Faculty Languages instead. I submitted to the change in plans but not without some regret and churn. It would entail much more work and stress than I had planned. For days, even weeks, I was depressed at the merry-go-round I had allowed myself to climb back onto. I had been there before. I knew what lay ahead. I was already emotionally and physically exhausted. Now I felt done in.
Then the Lord reminded me:
“Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
So, with my original dream of writing a three year ESL Bible Study curriculum still strongly enblazoned on my heart, I pushed ahead and enrolled part time at Laidlaw and I thought about what lessons I would write next.
By the time the first classes start, I expect I will have the funds, the home, and the time to do it justice. I am hoping not just for a GradDipTheol, but also for a Master of Theology and maybe more. There’s no stopping now!
