As a literacy teacher, verbs are the hardest to teach. In English grammar, verbs have to agree with the subject and tenses are confusing because they do not always follow rules. Yet, when I think about the person of God, I don’t think in terms of qualities or characteristics, I think of the Triune God as verbs, such as loving, creating, dancing, healing, empowering, imparting, speaking, showing, glowing, hovering, etc. I know God is at work in the world at large and at the same time moving right here and now in my life/ heart/ inside/ around/ behind/ ahead/ with. God nudges me towards His will and an abundant community life that gives meaning. God doesn’t call me in a loud voice, instead in this season of my life, God whispers a list of verbs.

Teach
As a teacher, I enjoy working with people of different ages, abilities, cultures and nationalities. In particular, I enjoy seeing the sparkle in their eyes when my students grasp complicated material or concepts. I love teaching– the crafting of the lesson, class interactions, setting up the learning environment and the fine-tuning afterwards.

Learn
In small groups, I enjoy learning more about this God who is revealed in the bible. I enjoy writing and leading bible studies to help us learn to listen to God’s voice through the pages. Learning also involves listening for the unspoken, in the silences and then noticing daily what is important to God.

Grow
God brings life and life grows. Yet, there are signs of entropy, stagnation, and death everywhere. Indeed, most young adult novels and movies shout this. Where are the signs of growth, the inspiring, the wairua, God’s presence? As I draw closer to God, I am surprised and comforted by his life-giving work that makes everything grow and flourish….like that kernel of wheat in John 12: 24-26.

Other verbs that ring in my ear are become, care, laugh, lament. All these verbs are hard to learn, and even harder to put into practice.

The Ordination Service for Li Lian Lim will be on Saturday 23 November at 2 pm at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul.