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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Specialization

While the modern economy seems to be predicated upon skill specialization, as noted in our post below on practical work, missionary life requires a broader set of competencies. Just this week one of our favorite quotes on this subject came up in a correspondence. We thank Alex Hartemink for pointing us to the actual author…

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."

--Lazarus Long (Robert Heinlein, Time Enough for Love, 1973)

1 comment:

Jake said...

I want you to know that I read to blog daily, and am just waiting for God to give me the go ahead. I know I am called to the mission field and I cannot wait to serve in Africa. I actually have talked to WHM some about serving and am excited about some possible opportunities.

Thank you for all that you write. It’s good to read the good and bad, the beautiful and ugly of your ministry! Thank you for serving the Lord. I pray for you and your family every chance I get.

-Jake