If you would have told me in high school I’ll be a ‘lifelong learner’ I would have scoffed at the idea. Maybe because of my limited understanding of how we learn. In high school, learning meant sitting at a desk, listening to your teacher for 90 minutes, and demonstrating you learned what was needed through exams or quizzes. To be honest, it wasn’t fun with the exception of our Environmental Science class.
Our teacher, Mrs. DiMaria brought science to life. She brought in experiments and illustrations that were relatable and engaging. We were encouraged to demonstrate what we’ve learned through modes that we were interested in. Some presented projects through poetry or song, while others created models of our town that show ground water runoff. One year I was fortunate enough to be chosen amongst four other students to go to Washington D.C.
We piled into the high speed AmTrack train and in less than three hours arrived in the capital. We navigated walking through the city together, dropped our bags at the hotel and changed into the most professional clothing our 15 year old selves owned. We learned about lobbying and had the chance to do so with our Pennsylvania State Senator. The next day we had the privilege of speaking to members of congress about the importance of environmental education in our schools. We spoke at the same podium Martin Luther King, Jr. had once used. The rest of our time away, Mrs. D took us to many museums and introduced us to Ethiopian food.
This left such an impression on my understanding of education that I decided to major in science and education. I had the opportunity to shadow Mrs. D for a semester–witnessing again the special way she engaged her students. And when it came time to student teach, you bet every class had something fun to do. Can you suck an egg into a thin necked vase? Learning the skeletal system? Hannah Montana has a song and dance for that! Mentos in soda is a must. And to learn about germs, I used a special powder that can’t be seen to the naked eye but when you turn on the black light—germs spread everywhere!! We had so much fun.
Soon after I discerned God’s calling to ministry, but the lessons I’ve learned from Mrs. D and my desire to make learning practical, relatable and engaging still remain. The thing is–the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). As Christians, we are lifelong learners, constantly discerning how God’s Spirit is leading us, speaking to us, and transforming us through holding up whatever we are experiencing in life through the lens of what we know about the love of God and grace of Jesus through Scripture. Sometimes we can do this on our own. Sometimes this happens in worship or sermons or small group Bible studies. Sometimes this happens when you're serving at Andre House, Vista Del Camino, or teaching youth group. And sometimes it happens when you board a train and take off for a whole new place.
No matter where you are though–you are always provided an opportunity to learn anew. May today bring you a surprise revelation or reminder. May you take on the posture of lifelong learner.
