Tuesday, March 21, 2023

The Joy of Being a Novice

It's always so much fun to listen to a student after class go on and on about how they are enjoying their study of Greek. We've only covered 9 chapters out of 26 but already they feel the joy of mastering what they have learned even though there is still so much farther to go. When you start something new, be it a language or a sport, you'll be a bit bewildered about everything. But your heart will be on fire. That's the spirit I urge you to embrace as you follow me on my weight lifting journey. Here I am after today's workout. 

Every second of it was enjoyable. When you start something new, don't overthink it. Just plunge in with your whole heart. I remember teaching myself German before heading off to Basel. I began with sentences like "Das ist ein Mann," or "Ist das Butter?" I can't tell you how exciting it was to make progress even if it was at a snail's pace. Every little inch of progress feels special. Being a beginner is scary at times, but nothing will ever replace that initial fire that got you started in the first place. 

No matter how old you are, don't be reluctant to try something new. Being a beginner is such a blessing!