the importance of being earnest

A 14-year old Albanian lad was talking with me (via a Jesus-loving translator) about the difficulties a teenage guy faces in Gjilan. He was fantastically honest about how hard it is to honor female-types, to be careful with his eyes, and to make good decisions when with his buddies. We talked for a chunk of time—about choices, safeguards, and some paraphrased verses. As the conversation was coming to a close, I thought I’d whip out the ever-popular 1 Cor. 10:13 that I memorized in Mrs. Firebaugh’s Sunday school class back in the 4th grade (“no temptation has seized me…God will provide a way out…”). Unfortunately, I got the reference confused with 2 Chron. 7:14 (memorized in order to eat at a Sir Jonathan W. retreat in 8th grade—the “if my people…” verse). As I have been practicing reading for about 5 weeks with my teacher, I thought I’d read it to him to practice my Shqip (yup—some things are all about me…). When I finished the verse, I nodded my head slowly and said how much assurance and hope this verse gives me. I went on to say, very earnestly and seriously, that the encouragement and promise of this verse is one of the most beautiful in the Bible.

The girl who was quasi-translating finally told me that the verse didn't give her much hope. I noticed the looks of total confusion on their faces and realized I must have screwed up somewhere (uh…again:). When I looked up the hope-inspiring verse in English a bit later, this is what I read:

"I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well."

Ugh. Drat. I was so focused on reading, that i wasn't paying any attention to the meaning of the words. What a stinky way to end a really good conversation...what a goofy last taste in the mouth. Thankfully, everyone involved found it pretty hilarious. Ahh...the joys of being in language study and being Madam Confuzzeled.