See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Sitting here on a beautiful cool August morning, my thoughts have drifted to children across our country returning to school very soon. Some will begin mid or late August while others have a bit longer vacation that includes Labor Day weekend. No matter the first day’s arrival, summer play in pools and lakes, camping and exotic vacation trips will be replaced with sitting at desks, breaking open textbooks, and joining a sports team or school activity. No matter the activity, active learning will become the focus for our students. At least that’s the goal of parents and teachers overseeing the education of our youngsters.

As a Christ follower, I was curious if the Bible has anything to say about “learning”. A quick search gave me quite a list of scriptures. They were all good but sincerely the one I chose–shown here–describes my personal thoughts regarding education. 

My husband and I raised two children, both of whom learned differently from the other. We did our best to create a home that encouraged learning, to be curious, explore, and ask questions. We monitored homework assignments. We got acquainted with their teachers. I had the privilege and time to be a classroom volunteer in their elementary years. There was a stretch where working in the middle school lunch room kept me in touch with the students of our community. I also served eight years on our school board and was able to be a classroom volunteer for two teachers on a regular basis; I did this to be connected with our administration, staff, and again–the kids. Those were great years with many rewarding experiences.

Today, I also reflected on examples of loved ones in my family who embraced the concept of being a “life-long learner”. One of my earliest memories comes from my dad who was an excellent woodworker. My mother asked him to build a small cabinet for their kitchen to store wine glasses and some of her finer serving dishes. He wanted stained glass inserts for the two cupboard doors on the cabinet so he visited a local store where artisans were on staff, got a quote for the project and rejected it due to the cost. His thinking? “I’ll do it myself”. A visit back to the store for a “how-to” book and the necessary supplies was all it took. The cabinet was finished and over subsequent years dad went on to creating beautiful lampshades and other pieces using his newly formed skill.

Another story, one I absolutely love, is from my brother’s career as a welding instructor at Mid Michigan College. He was introduced to an older man, a local farmer well into his 80s, who signed up for one of Mark’s classes. Mark asked him “why are you taking this class?” I imagine the chuckle and gleam in this man’s eyes as he answered “I want to learn something new”...later in another semester this same old fella entered Mark’s classroom to declare “I signed me up for some of that al-gee-bra!” Mark’s response makes me laugh every time…”why would you want to take algebra when you don’t have to!” It’s because a man in his 80s craved and embraced learning.

I’m also recalling with great fondness my Aunt Esther who was an elementary school teacher. If I had to attach a motto to her life it would be: Esther isn’t happy unless she’s learning something new or teaching someone something new”. Teaching and learning were in her blood. By the time Aunt Esther was well into her late 80s and 90s she was still pursuing adding knowledge and skills to her life. It wasn’t until her funeral that I learned she had cultured the ability to paint tea cups and saucers. 

Yes, empty schools across America will soon be hustling and bustling with noisy kids. Learners of all kinds will embrace, challenge, and fall into routines meant to prick curious minds and develop skills with each advancing grade. Educating our children is a huge undertaking, one meant to be partnered between our educators and parents. The most important partner role is that of we as parents, as it’s our responsibility to oversee what our child is being taught, encouraging them to ask good hard questions that teach them how to be a critical thinker, to stand on good moral fabric knit together with love, kindness, and goodness.

Unlike the old farmer who “wanted to learn al-gee-bra”, I’m happy years of math are behind me. I don’t have excellent artistic skills like my dad or aunt, but I love reading. Now that I’m not employed full or part time, my days are more carefree, allowing me to read and study a variety of topics for my own personal development. 

I think one of the best ways we as parents, as grandparents, as a community, to show our children the importance of learning, is to demonstrate it firsthand. So, what do you want to pursue that you’ve been putting off? Will it be an art class? Maybe learn to dance? Join a fitness center? Get a library card for the first time?

Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.–Socrates 

My challenge to each one of us who have children in our lives? Let’s light a few fires and fan the flames.