Life Long Learner
Before he retired, my husband worked for the Department of the Aged as a driver. He transported the elderly from their respective homes to the neighborhood Senior Citizens Centers and various other destinations. It was holiday time, and my husband invited me to accompany him to the Annual Holiday Party that the organization held. On the way there, he informed me that he wanted to pick up one of his riders, as she did not have transportation to the party.
It was lovely to meet this 98 year old woman, who immediately intrigued me. She got around very well; her only assistance was a walker. She seemed so mentally sharp, I started conversing with her. I vividly remember commenting: “You are so blessed to see 98 years! I would love to spend some time with you and glean from all the knowledge that you must have”. The woman chuckled, and then turned to me and said, “Who me? Honey I’m still learning”.
This short exchange changed my life. Surely, at 98 years old, she had learned all that she wanted or needed to learn! Not true! She taught me that day that learning never stops. Indeed, everyone should strive to be like this woman: life-long learners.
In order to grow, one must continuously learn. Psalm 119:33 says “Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statues, and I shall keep it unto the end”. What we are taught should be ongoing; learning should only cease when our lives cease.
As I begun this assignment, I want to share that I got very excited about reviewing what life-long learning entails. I was truly inspired as it seems that I am participating in both formal learning and informal learning presently. Truly, I am very much involved in formal learning, which is described as intentional, structured learning that may take place in a school, church or at home. I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity to complete my first year at KLBI. The two courses that I attended were both informative and applicable for my daily living. I am thankful to God, the Holy Spirit, who has truly acted as a clarifier for the things that I needed clarity in.
In church, as I assist my Pastor in the New Member’s classes, I am still consistently learning about discipleship with a “hands-on” approach. As I meet new people, I am regularly learning to become a better listener, and to be as relatable as I can to various types of people. For the past ten years, I’ve attended various Women’s Retreats, that are full of workshops and seminars. These retreats have blessed me tremendously. I enjoy audio taping sermons so that I can revisit them in the future.
Non formal learning is also a very vital part of my life-long learning experience. I attend weekly Bible study, even during this pandemic. Modern technology has enabled bible study to continue, as well as giving me the opportunity to share in various prayer line conference calls throughout the day, every day of the week if I desire! These conference calls give me an opportunity to read and share scripture, devotionals, and critical information for all the body of Christ to enable us to grow.
Additionally, I have recently become Co-editor to a newsletter. This gives me the opportunity to write devotionals and sermons in order to share. Obviously, we should only present our praise and worship to God with our best. We cannot achieve this without diligent study and learning.
Lastly, one of the wisest choices I’ve made is enrolling in a class called “Growing Toward Spiritually Maturity”. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the class for many reasons, but I will always remember that, as the name of the class denotes, growing is an ongoing process. We should always be striving to attain spiritual maturity; always learning during the journey.