A Lot to Learn

How many times have you heard that phrase, “you’ve got a lot to learn.” I have heard it innumerable times in a variety of contexts. I won’t dwell on the issue and will only provide a few examples. “Hey, you have a lot to learn about sharing your Legos” (still not easy). Or, “you really have a lot to learn about dating” (yikes- do people ever really figure it out?) “Dude, you have a lot to learn about marriage, family, kids” (usually all at once). I’m not quite there yet but this one is coming soon enough- “you need to learn how to relax, slow down, enjoy retirement.” And, finally, “you just need to learn to let go and be at peace with God.”

I think I may have roped you in on this. It really never ends…until life does. We need to learn something until we can no longer respond. I tend to think that we will be learning eternally but that is for another blog entry. My point is that we need to be open to growth as long as we live. Yet, in how many instances did we deny the need to learn and in the process limited ourselves. Even if it is clearly God that is issuing the statement. For example, “Glenn you have a lot to learn about forgiveness.” Or, “you have a lot to learn about love.”

In 2017 at the age of fifty-five I went back to school. My goal was to acquire a certificate in Thanatology. Beyond that was my desire to serve as a hospice chaplain. There was significant resistance internally as I battled myself to get to that place. I knew it would improve my chances of getting the position. But, my pride was kicking up to the nth degree. “I already have an M.Div. and experience as a pastor and hospital chaplain so why more school?” And, add to that the fact that I would be 30 or more years older than everyone in my classes. Not to mention the fact that I needed financial help just to attend. I made a deal with God at this point. If He would line it all up…I would go. I thought that it was a long shot. And, my wife and I said that if I EVER had to go back to school we would have to be in total agreement. So, that covenant would need to be made as well.

At the time, my daughter was attending the school where I would be going. She came up with the brilliant idea that we could go to campus together on the nights I would be attending. I mentioned to a close friend what my tentative plans were and he said he would provide funds for me to attend. My wife and I prayed about it for a while and agreed to proceed. 

It was a large challenge but a huge blessing. Studying again was daunting but a 4.0 in my coursework was very encouraging. Even more gratifying were the instances where my professors asked me for my opinions based on my experience and training.  Time and again they asked, “Glenn what do you have to teach the class?” And, then other students shared their questions and concerns after class. I became a free floating counselor which also reinforced my goals for ministry.

What would have happened if I had said, “I don’t need to learn anything else?” The older I get the more I realize just how much I still need to grow. This relates to heart, mind and spirit. 

I have given myself another challenge recently. I started taking music lessons at the age of 61. This was in the context of joining a choir again after about thirty years. At one point I said to myself, “you’ve got a lot to learn about reading music.” 

My question to you all at this point comes as a fill in the blank. I challenge you to fill in the blank in the following statement. “I have a lot to learn about ______.” If it is unclear to you  pray that God would help you fill in the blank. I believe that you will be blessed as you learn and continue to grow.

Blessings,

Glenn.