I’m learning to quit quitting

I grew up in a family that gave me the freedom to quit when I wanted to. In high school, instead of making it work, I used the excuse of needing a job to stop playing volleyball. I remember telling my mom that I wanted to no longer continue swimming or gymnastics classes because I did not think I was good enough. This was the same reason why I did not want to apply to a four-year college or continue to pursue a degree in nursing.

I’m living in Taiwan, and once again I’m face to face with the same temptation. I’m learning how to speak Chinese and there are days that I just want to throw my hands in the air and walk away. What needs to happen?

1. Examine the potential challenges that lie ahead

Learning Chinese takes a lot of energy out of me. The progress is painfully slow and embarrassment is inevitable.

2. Remind myself that there is a benefit in learning Chinese

If learning Chinese allows me to share the Gospel so that God can receive more praise and glory then I can endure the challenges and not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:15-16

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.