To Have Or To Know?

And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD;

and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Isaiah 54:13

Mary Grace made observation the other day about an educational system that only acknowledges textbook learning and rigorous academic schedules. There is need for more. She was speaking of that intrinsic learning that comes from experiential knowledge; the act and state of 'being' and doing.

I responded in kind, I agree. As I penned that note, Aubrey was engaged in a noble endeavor that was not penciled into the schedule: childcare for a special needs girl whose Momma had just passed away. The family, mere aquaintances, are members of our local community. It seemed most right and fitting that she take up this task and team with our Family Life Plan: to be Distribution Center for the Kingdom of God.

It was equally simple yesterday as well, when, halfway through our classtime, the phone rang. This time, a close friend in need. Was Aubrey available for the afternoon? Her request also childcare. Her newborn son, in ICU for 2.5 months so far was undergoing a new round of testing, and the Momma wished to be present.

While Aubrey was sent on these errands of sorts, Israel took up her family duties here at the house. When I exited the bedroom post shower, the entire house was tidied-up to the end of sparkling.

By the time evening fell, I had driven an hour to pick up Aubrey, to relieve the ICU-burdened family of further drive time after a grueling day; taken several phone calls that built up and edified the caller; and cooked supper while Gil was on the phone praying with a friend.

The demonstration and action of moral character and acts of service to others ~ is it not educational? Where in today's [current] society will such values be taught, if they are not taught in the home? How can these traits be groomed if one is only shown textbooks and rigored pursuits?

I am in full agreement that education includes persistent study, logical perusal of subjects beyond one's sphere of influence. But what brings about a sense of direction? A compassed path of peace?

A well-rounded experience that considers others is a critical, and basic ingredient.

After all, it is much better to give than to receive . . .