I believe that lifelong learning is something we can grow into on many levels. When I was in elementary school, the highlight of my day was recess. I was always curious about things, however, school for me was more about friends. Sitting still in my seat listening was something to be endured.
Eventually, I understood classroom learning was giving me options to do things that I like to do, as opposed to being stuck in someone else’s cubicle.
When I came to faith in Jesus, I had no idea how important lifelong learning is for all of life.
Moving to Senegal in 1985, is when I first truly grasped the fact that there were more Christian missionaries in the country than there were national believers.
In time we became fully aware that we were taking a different approach than conventional missionaries of the time. We were working with university students, the future leaders of the continent, in hopes of working ourselves out of a job. 2 Timothy 2:2
We spent a lot of time seeking the face of God for direction.
“This is really slow going and there are so many challenges. . .. Please, teach us, and help us to learn, everything You want us to learn so that we can move on to something else.”
Here are only a few things I learned from that time of my life:
Focusing on God and His will, more than on relief and escape was a key lesson learned. Proverbs 3:12
Worshiping and seeking the face of God in relationship, more than His hand to meet our needs was another lesson. Psalm 27:4
Living under the shadow of His wings, in intimate relationship with our Lord is the primary means of lifelong learning. Psalm 91
And desperation is possibly the most successful means for creating dependence on the Holy Spirit. Perhaps you know this old revival song:
“Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.”
These lessons are foundational to me now. I am continually adding bricks of knowledge, experience, and relationship, with God, and with people, to this foundation. Proverbs 3:3-4+
I am profoundly grateful that a school classroom is not the only way to learn. Now I know that I learn many different ways, listening, observing, reading, doing, and verbal processing are just a few examples.
What are the foundation stones you are building your life on?
How does your lifelong learning happen best?
