“Don’t tell me to be brief when I am preaching the Word of God,” the young priest is said to have admonished the elderly lady who sought to give him feedback. I’m not sure where it is written that listening to the Word of God must be a tiresome thing and that the priest has licence to go on talking incoherently at times.
In the same Parish, the older priest is succinct, topical and compels you to listen just by the quality of his sermon. He comes across as well-read and well-prepared. What he speaks resonates through the week.
It surprises me that instead of picking up skills from the older man, the young man seems to think that he can ramble on and bore the congregation to death. All I can recall of his sermon is his repeated use of the phrase ‘at the same time’. It took all of me not to keep a count of how many times he used this phrase.
Open To Learning?
Being open to learning certainly is not age-related. Just the other day a blogger said that she was still open to learning at 75 and I know my Dad got on to using the computer when he was 81.
It is never too late to learn. Gaining new skills, whether for personal or professional reasons, makes one more confident. And continuous learning helps us to maintain a high level of confidence.
I’m not sure why anyone would resist learning. How boring life would be if we arrive at a place where we think we know it all.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Absolutely. Learning keeps one young, in mind, body and heart.
The last line of your post is very well put! Agreed 100%
Beloo Mehra recently posted..“Flower in the Crannied Wall”
Oh yes, it is the key to keeping us young, isn’t it, Beloo?
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Soul Models
Corinne, I agree with you 100%. I am a student of life, for life 🙂 There is no age for learning, my dad completed his graduation with us. He is my role model. At the moment, I am enrolled in a couple of online courses for creative writing and psychology. I enjoy learning, am happiest doing it.
I absolutely love that quote. Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted..Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 37
It is absolutely essential to keep learning…I wrote a post to this effect few months ago… I truly believe “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi.Thanks for sharing this.
I enjoyed your thoughts on lifelong learning. Too bad the young priest wasn’t self-aware enough to realize he was boring everyone to death! Constructive criticism can sting, but if we’ll listen, we’re sure to improve. The quote is wonderful.
Dorothy Johnson recently posted..The Elusive Sand Dollar
How boring, indeed! I can’t imagine not wanting to be open to new ideas and to learn new things. Our lives are so enriched and fulfilled when we seek to grow in our awareness and faith, and, yes, I do believe such pursuits do build confidence within us.
Blessings, Corinne, and thanks for this wonderful post!
Martha Orlando recently posted..I Sowwy, Gammie!
Learning brings one closer to the reality and reality the ultimate truth. Truth can be bad or good as per the individual point of view but truth in itself so whole (clean and clear) that it hardly matters and remain indifferent at its place. Learning about the truth with indifference without value judgement is the knowledge beyond compare. You have truly said : “A mind is like a Parachute, it doesn’t work when it isn’t open.”
True Corinne. Life would be pretty boring if we stop learning new things everyday! Just like your dad, my grandpa, fascinated by computers, has started to learn using them at the age 86!
Swathi Shenoy recently posted..Mardaani!
Agree 100% to Bapu’s quote.
It’s not the age that is a barrier to learning (I presume) but the discomfort in unfamiliarity that prevents them from taking new lessons. Learning new things be it change in attitude or adapting to newer technologies should be dealt like a child , eager and with a smile.
kalpana solsi recently posted..It does feel like home, doesnt it?
Loved your thoughts, Corinne and I agree with you. Life would be exciting if we learn new things. Splendid quote too 🙂
Shalini recently posted..UBC Day 8- iSmile #8- Coffee Addiction
Totally agree! Life would be so dull without learning and age has nothing to do with your will, right?
Aditi recently posted..Chapter 4 – Of Autumns in New York
Corinne-
Point well taken- I LOVE LEARNING. Maintaining a beginner’s mind – especially in an area where you already have some competency- is the real sign of someone with curiosity. 🙂 Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted..Design Your Own Belief System
to be open to learn is itself a skill. With the world changing so fast, I believe there’s no harm in learning new things… at any age.
Rajlakshmi recently posted..Of Winter Mornings and Nails
Wah 🙁 Dont remind me… been studying new stuff every year since the last 15 years! Every time I finish learning the new theories regarding management of a case, a new protocol or disease or device pops up…
Roshan R recently posted..To boldly go where no phone has gone before
Well, for all of us, learning happens subconsciously, doesn’t it ? That’s where an open mind is needed, so that the new idea percolates deep into the subconscious and takes roots and germinates 🙂
I like to learn new things and I learn at least one new thing everyday 🙂
Sreeja Praveen recently posted..Dolls…..
Very true, Corinne!! Learning new skills is the perfect anti ageing treatment!
Fab recently posted..Morning Musings
Loved the mahatma Gandhi quote . That quote reminded me of a a very cool quote by mark zuckerberg founder of Facebook
In terms of doing work and in terms of learning and evolving as a person, you just grow more when you get more people’s perspectives… I really try and live the mission of the company and… keep everything else in my life extremely simple.
Mark Zuckerberg – wantedquotes.com
Saad recently posted..Chris Zylka – Quote