#5 Teachers

One of the greatest needs for growth is for a teacher. We can’t just learn from our own mistakes, but the mistakes of others. We must grow in our understanding of life and how it operates. Of what’s important and what ought to be valued. But it often feels like they are in such short supply. What do you do when you can’t find someone to help you along your journey? How do you find your way if no one will show you the path? I think there’s an answer, but it will most certainly take a little more effort. 

I think the key to finding good teachers is to expand your definition of teacher. No, I am not talking about looking inward and finding all the answers within yourself. Rather, I think it’s important to observe others around you. Books are a great resource for growth because you can hear the stories of what others did, both right and wrong, that got them to where they wanted to be. But even beyond that, simply observing the people around you could become a great source of wisdom as well.

And who knows? Maybe you will get an actual teacher out of it. You could be observing the way someone does something and ask them why they made that decision. Maybe then you could ask for some of their time to pick their brains on the subject. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of too many people who wouldn’t be flattered by the idea of being recognized as a wise leader. Many people even get excited about the idea of helping others because they once needed the same help themselves. You never know what will happen until you try.

But on that note, you have to be careful about who you choose as your leader. Not everyone with confidence and a pretty smile will be a good guide. You have to really examine the life of the person you are following. Because no matter what they say, where they are is where they’ll guide you to. So control the advice you take from certain people. Don’t take marriage advice from actors, don’t take cooking advice from plumbers and never ever take vine-swinging lessons from an elephant. 

But jokes aside, I think this is a good mindset to have even if you do find a guide. No man is perfect, so if you try to become a carbon-copy of them, you will inherit their flaws as well. You may even become a cheap version of them because you aren’t thinking things through for yourself, but doing what they would do. It’s good to be critical of your leaders. You don’t just want to become a follower and holder of all of their lessons and stories. You want to become a fellow wise man. You want to be able to make your own wise decisions when the time comes. You want to be able to have the principles in place so that you can think for yourself. Then you will then be able to pass your wisdom on to the next generation, beginning a cycle of growth and maturity of infinite value. 

The need for dialogue and understanding, to a certain degree, is even true with God. Granted, it’s quite different because we can never hope to be Him, but I don’t think He wants us to simply lay down flat in the storms of life. Curiosity is too ingrained in our nature for me to believe that it hasn’t come from Him. Every time I have come to God with questions, He has at least responded to them in some shape or form. He has shown me what He has been up to and guided me to a deeper understanding of the life we are living. And even when He hasn’t answered my burning questions, He still has a response for me. And rarely is it ever “how dare you ask questions! How wrong of you in all your ways!” 

No, that’s not the King I serve. True, there is a time and a place for answers, and another for trust and faith. And arrogance is sure to show its face if you are too harsh in demanding answers from Him. But, at the end of the day, what is worse: to express the heart that so desperately craves closure, or to cut off the relationship entirely? I’m pretty sure you know which one is best. 

So go out and observe the world! Let those who have found their way offer you their tips and tricks. Imitate those who have figured something out. Ask questions of those who are further along than you. Grow yourself into your own unique beast, and become a bigger and better version of yourself. I pray you find the guidance you need in overflowing abundance. 

Until next time

May Peace be your Guide.