If you were asked the question whether you are a teacher or
a learner how would you respond? Before you respond, let me tell you the
various ways I have answered the question over the course of my life. Obviously
when I was in school rather that was elementary, junior high, high school,
college, graduate school or seminary I would have clearer said I was a learner.
However, experience has allowed me the opportunity over the years to become a
teacher.
A teacher is defined as a person who shows or
explains to (someone) how to do something especially in a school setting. A
learner is best described as a person who is learning a subject or skill. If we
move the conversation to the school of life there are times you have probably
found yourself capable of wearing both hats. We all experience life lessons and
we all show or explain to others how to make it through the good times and the
bad.
Speaking of life lessons, have you reached
a point in your life where you value the lessons you have learned? Can you say
the words of the Psalmist? “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that
I might learn they statutes.” (Psalm 119:71) The beauty of our learned lessons
especially those that stem from our trouble is that once the battle is over you
may find yourself in a position to help someone else who may be going through
the same thing you were delivered from.
Psalm 119:71 MSG “My troubles turned out
all for the best – they forced me to learn from your textbook.” Think about it.
What have you learned from your troubles? Have your troubles turned out all for
the best? It’s what I now call “Troublessed”. When you are “Troublessed” your
trials and tribulations take on a whole new face. That’s why James encourages
us to be happy when we experience trouble because it is not only good for us
but it can be turned into a blessing you and others.
Have you gone through something in your
life and now find that others admire you for your strength and come to you for
advice? Have you ever shared your story and found that it made a difference in
someone else’s life? Is it possible God is speaking to your heart that it is
time for you to become the teacher?
Truth is, we can all be both students and
teachers. When it comes to teaching, you may ask the question, “Does this mean
I have to already be Sunday School teacher, go back to school to get a teaching
degree or get a special certification to become a teacher? The answer is no.
What I have learned is that some of life’s best educators don’t have a pile of
degrees and certifications. But the one thing they do have is a willingness to
help someone else who is going through and a willingness to learn how to
effectively teach others.
Where can you go where you can be both a student
and a teacher of life? Traditional
educational institutions do not offer such programs. Sure, maybe you can find a
soft skills course here and there but there are no faith-based options
specifically designed for Christian women.
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Blessings,
Dr. Janice R. Love
