School. Yep, its that time of year! All the kiddos are back at it for another nine months of mental growth. There are parents everywhere rejoicing! And, I’m equally sure there are children everywhere groaning in despair. Lol
Getting Started
In the States, our children spend thirteen years going through all the basics. They learn to read and write one to two languages. Sciences and local, state, national and world history are drilled into them. They endure classes to keep them physically active, and may even have some classes will teach basic life skills.
Those years, to a child, may seem to drone on and on. Most kids will eventually long for, and possibly even fantasize about, when they’ll finally graduate and charge into adulthood. Free at last.
Plans may differ for each child. Some may end their formal education there, while others may enter a trade school or begin at a university. Yet, the longing to be “done with school” seems to be strong for everyone, no matter their age. The ultimate goal of youth… To be done. Finished! No more homework! Yes! (Am I right?!?!?)
What’s Next?
But is that it? Should we cease learning when our primary and secondary educations are complete? No! That would be an absolute travesty. As the saying goes… The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Truly, there is so much potential knowledge to be gained out there. Why would any of us shut down any attempt to grasp even a portion of the world’s vast knowledge for ourselves?
There are so many areas we can study that will enrich our lives. It could be learning a basic skill like cooking, crafting, mechanics, etc. Or, we can go after skills pertaining to our chosen career choice. You know, adding that certification, or degree, that will increase our value in the workforce.
Then there are other things we can learn just for the fun of it for personal enrichment. What about survival training, or a deep bible study? Kayaking? We can also spend regular blocks of time with others unlike ourselves to get some hands on “real time” education of other cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The possibilities really are endless!
Education is Vital
Bottom line, continuing to learn throughout life is immeasurably valuable. Even research by J. Robert Clinton came to the conclusion that having a posture for learning is vital. In his “Six Characteristics of Leaders who Finish Well”, at the top of the list of characteristics is “They maintain a learning posture and can learn from various sources—life especially”. Check out the full article on Leaders Who Finish Well. Or, if you prefer a quick read, here is a simple doc of the six characteristics. Good points!
Its another one of those hidden yet obvious principles like my dad’s advice. We really must always strive to be learning something new. And that’s probably even more important to continue after we complete any formal education.
Finding a Focus
I have to admit I’ve stagnated in that area myself. Yet, we cannot let a “break” bleed over to an indefinite halt. At some point, we have to “get back in the saddle” and get after it once again.
Luckily for me, I recently found out about an opportunity to continue a program I started years ago. It’s provided through Bible Study Fellowship, Inc. (BSF) They offer nondenominational in-depth, verse by verse, bible studies that follow the local school schedule. Yep, one study course lasts approximately nine months. That may seem long, but its totally worth it. Plus, its completely free of charge. Yes!
The classes are offered simultaneously on an international level. They are in more than 40 countries. Its highly possible that you and a friend, or family member, could be taking the same study in person in different countries.
Anyway… Due to a total overhaul on the study, People of the Promised Land I study is now getting started next week. This study includes the books of Joshua, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11 and overviews of Psalms and Proverbs. Finally! I have been looking forward to this class for a few years now. Yay!!!
Check it out and “join” me if you can. You can check for a class near you on their website. Remember, the classes are a great, free opportunity to add some extra knowledge to your life. And, no, you don’t have to believe in Jesus to attend. You can come check out what the Bible says about the character of God that all us Jesus freaks are learning and teaching each other. Either way, its free! You’ve got nothing to lose!
And….GO!!!
So, that’s my one of my upcoming learning adventures. Next I might add in piano lessons at some point. I’ve been working on my bucket list a bit lately and I remembered learning the piano used to be a pressing goal. Yep, sadly, that’s one thing that hit an “indefinite halt” in my plans. Time to knock the dust off that dream, right?!?
How about you? What are you currently learning? Do you have plans to add some knowledge or skill to your life? Please share. Inquiring minds want to know!
As always, thanks for stopping by! Talk to you soon!
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