“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people”
– Luke 2:52 (NLT)
As I write these words I am looking at back-to-school pictures on Facebook. The beginning of the school year is an emotional and wonderful time for so many. I certainly hope and pray that everyone has a great year with new beginnings and fresh opportunities for growth!
This time of year also makes me realize the importance of “life-long learning” for all of us. In the same way we make efforts to eat right, exercise more, and sleep longer, we need to continue learning. Like a muscle in the body, the minds needs to be stretched and challenged. Learning keeps our brain healthy and it can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. Albert Einstein once said, “Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong aƩempt to acquire it.”
A life-long learner is a “person who continues to learn new skills and competencies long after they have completed their formal education.” This involves nurturing a curious mind about the world and a willingness to pursue knowledge about any area of great interest.
And let’s face it, there is a “joy” in learning. In some Hebrew Schools a special ceremony takes place on the first day of school. The teacher places a drop of honey on the cover of a book and gives the book to the student, who licks the honey off. The symbolic message is that learning is sweet. There is a joy in learning. And again there is a need to be a life-long learner.
As we move into the fall season at church I invite you to consider our Discipleship Pathway, Worship + 2. The aim is to be in worship, in-person or online, as well as participate in two groups. One group is study in nature. The other is service in nature. Life-long learning is an aspect of the first part of the “plus two” that leads to the second part of the plus two.
Might this fall season at church become a meaningful time for growth and development in your Christian life!
Peace and blessings, Pastor Scott