Never Assume

I am one of those people who stay away from definitive words like "never", "always", "all people", "every time", etc. but I am learning the importance of never assuming.

Evelyn, the international student from China who is living in our home this school year, is reminding me the importance of never assuming. I take many things for granted, especially related to my faith. I just assume that most people have a baseline of knowing who Jesus is; the importance of Scripture; etc., all things Christianese. She reminds me every day that not "every one" has a general understanding of who Jesus is. She has reminded me how much I use terminology that is very Christianly but not very culturally relevant.

We are blessed to have her in our home. She is truly delightful and very smart. The language barrier in communication audibly is getting so much better in our home, but English terms that I think are pretty easy and simple, are really very difficult. Earlier this week, Evelyn and I were working on some Chemistry terms and trying to memorize the Ion chart. Those that know me well this is pretty scary to start with, but English is hard; and it is my native language!

I am learning to slow down, think through what I say before saying anything, and using words that are more simple and concrete. I have a lot to learn. How is it that at almost 48 I am having to learn my own native language?

Same goes for my Christianese. It does not communicate if the one hearing does not understand. I have much to learn.