Everyone speaks English, they said. You won't have to worry about the language at all, they said.
They were only partly correct. Everyone learned English -- just like I "learned" French in high school. But I'll have my phrasebook out just like the next tourist when we make it to Paris.
We haven't had much problem getting by in rural Germany as long as I can see the numbers on the cash register. We've learned enough to decipher a menu, and thank God the order of the Mass (usually) doesn't change.
The language barrier has led to a few awkward moments. Another time, I let my 3-year-old pick out some sausage from a market vendor. Somehow "leberwurst" did not translate into "liverwurst" in my head, and I bought it. She cringed at the mushy, pink stuff at first, but after a little prodding and reminder that she picked it out, she ate it by the forkfull!
More than anything though - I totally understand the Tower of Babel. As I child, it always struck me as kind of a funny story. Did those people actually think they could be greater than God? Scripture is a little hazy on their exact sin, but it does say they wanted to "make a name for themselves." (Gen. 11:4) And that idea disturbed God.
So he decided to "confuse their language," so they could no longer continue their self-aggrandizing plan. I now see exactly how that works. When you can't communicate, even the smallest tasks like buying bread become more complicated, much less trying to negotiate rent or enroll my daughter in school. I am acutely aware that I am in someone else's world, and I have to humbly ask for a lot more help than normal. Pride and independence has to take a backseat.
Even more frustrating is I can't help other people. One of the larger thoroughfares in town is closed for construction, and twice in the last week someone has stopped me to ask for directions. But aside from pointing, I can't really tell them where to go even though I know perfectly well. I'm not sure that's what God wanted from the Tower of Babel.
Maybe the whole story is a reminder that in the beginning we did speak the same language because we do need each other. We just have to approach each other with a little more humility and openness to make things happen.
No comments:
Post a Comment