John Donne wrote "No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." The Apostle Paul wrote "So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." We have learned that the "Lone Ranger" approach to life, just doesn't cut it. Whether we are facing a new challenge, just need someone to talk to or (let me borrow something from this generation) are just bored, we are thankful that others exist. We need each other and we are more interconnected than we think we are.
But, more important than just having someone around, what can we learn from each other? What is the purpose of all our different ways of understanding, problem-solving and communicating if we don't learn from each other? Think about:
But, have we become so full of pride that we can't acknowledge and learn from the strengths of others? Are we afraid if we lift others up it only serves to highlight the glaring inadequacies that we possess? I say if we will take the time to learn from others, it will allow others to learn from us, as well. I'm not prideful, but there are some things that I do well. I'm also not a negative Nancy, but there are things I don't do well and others that I have to struggle to just get done. But, I've learned to learn something by talking to you, being around you and watching your life.
I know in our world of "social media" (could that be anymore ignorantly named?) we can't bear the thought of actually having a conversation with words, inflection, facial cues and emotion, but if you will take the time to notice those around you, you will find there is a lot to learn. So put your phone, laptop or tablet away, and go learn something.
Keep learning, keep growing.
Pastor Hoffman
But, more important than just having someone around, what can we learn from each other? What is the purpose of all our different ways of understanding, problem-solving and communicating if we don't learn from each other? Think about:
- The times you've recognized a remarkable characteristic of someone else that stuck with you long after you left their presence.
- The ways that you see others handle problems or situations, that you had never thought of.
- The way that people express their feelings more completely than others, so you aren't left with more questions than answers.
But, have we become so full of pride that we can't acknowledge and learn from the strengths of others? Are we afraid if we lift others up it only serves to highlight the glaring inadequacies that we possess? I say if we will take the time to learn from others, it will allow others to learn from us, as well. I'm not prideful, but there are some things that I do well. I'm also not a negative Nancy, but there are things I don't do well and others that I have to struggle to just get done. But, I've learned to learn something by talking to you, being around you and watching your life.
I know in our world of "social media" (could that be anymore ignorantly named?) we can't bear the thought of actually having a conversation with words, inflection, facial cues and emotion, but if you will take the time to notice those around you, you will find there is a lot to learn. So put your phone, laptop or tablet away, and go learn something.
Keep learning, keep growing.
Pastor Hoffman
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