Leaning to Learn

"What is one thing you have learnt?" An all too familiar question that might strike fear and invoke a state of panic in some, while causing one to experience an exasperation, fondly known as "squeezing blood out of stone". Many of us have been through that state of uncomfort, having to share some self-insights which originate from our self-schemas. Interestingly, as l recount my growth over the past year, I no longer undergo that kind of exasperation when called to share my learning.

Some of us from the tribe attended a volunteers' appreciation dinner organised by the Leadership and Mentoring division under Touch Youth Services. For me, it was a time of renewing that camaraderie with fellow volunteers who have shed tears and blood together in serving the clients. More importantly, it was also a time of reflection on the manifold wisdom and grace of God that He showed me through His perfect plans, and which culminated in a transformed person that I am today. Who would have known that a once shy and reserved person would break out of his chrysalis and metamorph into one who is confident and assured. Thanksgiving arose in my heart as I recalled the journey I have walked since I became a volunteer.

In this journey, much of my personal growth has been stoked by an attitude of constant learning. Peter Senge defines learning as building that capacity to create which one couldn't previously create. And amazingly over the past year, I have gained the capacity to derive learning and life-changing applications from experiences. So in fact, I have learnt to learn.

Yet learning would have been impossible without leaning on God. "From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) At many critical junctures during my journey, I was completely clueless as to what God is trying to show and teach me. It was only through dependence on Him for understanding, that He made known to me the mystery of His will, both through people and His radiation therapy.

To sum up my learning, I would state unequivocally that it is desirable for all of us to possess a teachable heart, so as to constantly allow the Lord to teach us His way and walk in His truth.