Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
(Psalm 86:11)
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalm 16:11)
It is now as a grandfather that I connect with the rhythm of a new school year. This year the youngest child of our oldest daughter and son-in-law goes to Kindergarten or as she refers to it “five-year old school.” We are not in on the decisions about outfits, lunches, and homework for the next day but I am still drawn to the importance of the season.
I am reminded of the collective effort that makes a school system successful and I thank God again for educators this year.
The picture about the best teachers inspires me. I feel that is how Jesus used parables in his teaching. And the teacher–student relationship is described by Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese sage and philosopher, who is credited with the proverb: “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”
This is the life we share as disciples of Jesus Christ. If I am curious and eager to learn, it also reflects my belief that there are valuable teachers to find. Having a teachable spirit allows us to respond with more wisdom and compassion and insight in current situations. Especially situations of conflict and disturbance.
Rev. Gil Rendle, congregational consultant and author, identifies an important contrast to discern as we walk together on the path of life. If technical work is the application of solutions to problems, then adaptive work is needed when one is faced with a situation that is not a problem but is instead a changed environment…If technical work leads directly to action, then adaptive work requires learning (Rendle, Quietly Courageous, 28).
I struggle with learning to live in a harshly divisive environment that is intentionally provoked by misinformation and disinformation. And I strive to remember the desire of the Psalmist to be given an undivided heart that is filled with wonder at the greatness of God and the fullness of joy that God provides. I am drawn to Jesus and other educators who show us where to look and allow us to see what is needed in our time of ministry.
Who is appearing in your life these days and what are you learning about how to live well? May God bless us in our life-long learning.