It’s so true what God says in Psalm 32:8:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
How do I know? Because after all this time, I’ve truly learned how to do the things God has called me to do. But at first, I had so much to learn. I’m so thankful I didn’t give up or give way to fear or embarrassment because I was new to the task.
I had to say, “Teach me, Lord. I don’t know what I’m doing, but I know you led me here.”
He teaches. Everywhere I go, He teaches.
For example, as I’m nearly finished with my speaking events for 2017 (just four left!), I’ve learned some things:
I’ve learned to enjoy airports, rental cars, and toll roads. I’ve learned how to sleep in hotels. I’ve learned how to speak to audiences large and small. I’ve learned how to be myself. I’ve learned to fight dread. I’ve learned how to pack a small, organized suitcase. I’ve learned how to speak on the radio. I’ve learned to how listen to people, really listen to them. I’ve learned how to use God’s word in the moment. I’ve learned how to trust the people running my presentations or advancing my slides when I speak. I’ve learned how to dress for public events. I’ve learned even how to wear makeup well. I’ve learned not to be afraid but to look for signs that God is treating me as His treasured possession. I’ve learned how to make meals in advance for my family, how to prepare everyone when Mom leaves, how to check in to make sure everyone is still OK with this writing and speaking thing, and how to celebrate the return home well. I’ve learned to gather stories wherever I go. I’ve learned to rejoice and surrender, even when I want to run away. I’ve learned to make new friends and belong to new people much different from me. I’ve learned to desperately depend on God’s word and the presence of Jesus.
And I’m still learning. I’m still learning that, wherever I go, He is a good, good Teacher.