I’m Still Learning

“Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7 NIV).

I’ve spent my entire life learning. I have a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees and have been to more seminars and read more books than I can count. As I become more and more chronologically gifted, I’m still learning. I’m learning that the most important lessons do not come from textbooks and classrooms. They come from life. I’m sorry to say that I’ve run right by some of life’s greatest lessons in pursuit of knowledge. I’ve come to the place where knowing what to do must be translated into doing what I know. A fellow once told me that it’s what you learn after you know it all that really counts. I never understood until now how right he was. Today, I want to share with you some things I’ve learned after I thought if knew it all.

I’ve learned… that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned… that when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned… that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

I’ve learned… that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned… that being kind is more important that being right.

I’ve learned… that you should never say “no” to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned… that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned… that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned… that sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned… that watching my Dad love my Mom when I was small did wonders for me now that I’m big and a husband and father myself.

I’ve learned… that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned… that we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned… that money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned… that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned… that under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned… that the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I’ve learned… that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned… that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned… that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned… that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned… that everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned… that there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I’ve learned… that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned… that life is tough, but Jesus in me is tougher.

I’ve learned… that opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned… that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned… that I wish I could have told that very special person that I love them one more time before they passed away.

I’ve learned… that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned… that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned… that I cannot choose how I feel, but I can choose what to do about it.

I’ve learned… that when your newly born child holds your little finger in his fist, you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned… that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned… that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a matter of life and death.

I’ve learned… that the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

And I’m still learning day by day by the grace and mercy of God. I’ve learned that youth is wasted on the young and that experience is like a comb you get after you are bald. I would like to have learned all these precious truths when I was young and energetic enough to implement and enjoy them. But hey, it’s never too late. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start living. I’ve learned that it’s a waste of time to learn if you never get around to applying it. Now, let that be a lesson to you!

“Heavenly Father, You have taught me so much. A lot of the best things I’ve learned came from the School of Hard Knocks. I know I griped about the assignments You made to me during those classes, but I am better and stronger for it. One thing I’ve especially learned is this: You are the best, most patient, most gracious, most loving, most wise Teacher ever. You know all the answers. That’s why You are my Final Answer. And I love You. Amen.”

Blessings,

Kenny