OACS News Service

This week my middle son is going to a winter camp with the grade seven class for three days. On the weekend, we were busy with the preparations, taking stock of his winter outer-wear and gathering up clothing and personal items. Asking ourselves, “What do we still need?”

Throughout our time, my son talked about the great time he was going to have with his friends and described in detail all of the winter sports they were planning to do. He was really excited about having this vacation, away from all his school work. It was going to be a blast to be with his friends and to revel in winter fun!

In contrast, my focus kept drifting towards making sure he was going to be warm. Stuffing in extra mittens and adding plenty of clean, dry socks. I found myself wondering if he would be warm enough and have adequate comfortable bedding. I doubled checked the list several times, fretting if we had overlooked something.

At some point, I was struck with the realization that we both had two different approaches for preparing for the same trip.  He was delighting in the wonder and anticipation of it all and I was preoccupied with the practical details. Indeed, both of our perspectives were very important and essential to the preparation. 

As the weekend progressed, I pondered the importance of this special mix… of wonder filled anticipation and practical work. As a teacher, I considered does this apply to education. My conclusion was…yes!

Surely, learning is so much more than knowing facts and practicing skills. Meaningful learning happens when teachers and their students stand amazed at the handiwork of our Lord. “Look what He has created and how He cares for it!”  “Do you see how it all fits together, so perfectly!”  “What do you enjoy most about God’s world?”

Standing in amazement is a starting point for learning…it makes us ready for discovery and encourages us to ask questions. It helps us see God’s design and leads us to identify brokenness and to dream of restoring the fallen world. I am convinced that learning is not just about acquiring information and developing practical applications.  It is about shaping passions and creating purpose and delight.  My son’s trip will bless him on so many different levels and it is my prayer that he experiences God’s goodness in it all!