Next week we’ll finish the first session of the fall term at the Graduate Institute of Linguistics where we’re completing our last bit of academic training before heading overseas to start our assignment with Wycliffe. Our schedule has been pretty packed the last four weeks as we’re in class most of the day and then have homework every evening. Plus, we have our two year-old princess Poppy whose current favorite refrain is, “What do now, Mummy?” And, let’s not forget we’re about to have another baby! We have felt a bit overwhelmed at times, especially the evenings when it’s 9pm before we sit down to take care of homework for the next day. In all this, I’ve had to remind myself why we’re here: worship.

We want our study of linguistics to be an act of worship. We, of course, don’t worship academics, but rather see these academic preparations as yet another mode of life where one’s focus must be firmly fixed on God. I think of the words of Paul to young Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). It’s always easy to grumble and complain and moan about those things that make us uncomfortable. At times like these–and over these past four weeks–I’ve had to remind myself of the goal of presenting myself to God as one who need not be ashamed. Hard work, long hours of study and concerted preparation bring glory to God and can and must be done with a worshipful heart. That’s why we’re here.