One never knows what to expect when you get asked about your involvement with something. A few days ago, I was in the room where my Bible study group meets making sure everything was ready to go. A senior adult lady in our church entered the room wanting to know if I had anything to do with the changes to Explore the Bible. As we are prone to be, my first thoughts were here it comes and right before I lead a Bible study group. I told her I was a part of the team and then waited for her to drop the gauntlet.
Instead, she showed me her Personal Study Guide. It was full of handwritten notes and highlighted paragraphs. There were stars and other markings next to different comments. She then told me that for the first time in many years she was getting her own copy as opposed to simply reading her husband’s copy. As we talked, she explained how the former approach had good content, but it didn’t make her think or challenge her to do anything but read. We talked about the value of always thinking about what we believe and how those beliefs should filter our experiences (we usually let our experiences change our beliefs). She then handed me a letter to share with the team expressing her gratitude for what we are now providing.
It was refreshing to find a person who has grown up with Sunday School and been involved in church for so long to still be excited about learning and thinking. Sometimes I find myself settling for another person thinking for me while I passively accept that as learning. I can get lazy and content with what I think I know and that is a dangerous place to be. This dear senior adult lady reminded me again that learning is about me being involved in the process and finding joy in the lifelong pursuit of truth and wisdom. Why should I settle for anything less? Why should I passively read and never reflect on how what I read impacts my life?