Education in Real Life

Hi Lovelies!

The article I chose comes from the October 2002 Ensign by President Henry B. Eyring, entitled "Education in Real Life." Here's the link to this absolutely inspiring and rejuvenating article:

http://lds.org/ensign/2002/10/education-for-real-life?lang=eng

Maybe it's because the Spring semester is starting for me on Monday, and I have spent the last two days revising my students' syllabus and first week's lesson plans. Or maybe it's because I am hoping to start grad school either this Fall or next Winter, and perhaps considering getting a teaching certificate that will enable me to also teach high school. But whatever the reason, I felt really drawn to this article.

I love the title: Education in REAL LIFE. My real life is very different from my life when I was in undergrad, and I am sure you all can agree with me. There is soooo much to be done, and soooo little time, it seems! So many demands, so many responsibilities, now that I am a full adult. Which is why I love President' Eyring's reminder on time:

"There is another way to look at your problem of crowded time. You can see it as an opportunity to test your faith. The Lord loves you and watches over you. He is all-powerful, and He promised you this: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you' (Matt. 6:33).

That is a true promise. When we put God’s purposes first, He will give us miracles. If we pray to know what He would have us do next, He will multiply the effects of what we do in such a way that time seems to be expanded. He may do it in different ways for each individual, but I know from long experience that He is faithful to His word."

And what is education, really, if not the process of taking on new understanding and being open to new experiences? If I allow myself to be open to new spiritual insight and understanding, then I can apply it to my daily application of growth and knowledge.

I also love how he reminds us that education is beyond graduation day. It is a lifelong process, and yes, even duty! Guess I better brush up on my algebra ;)

He states, "Let’s start with the purpose of our learning. The Lord and His Church have always encouraged education to increase our ability to serve Him and our Heavenly Father’s children. For each of us, whatever our talents, He has service for us to give. And to do it well always involves learning, not once or for a limited time, but continually."

President Eyring referenced the following scripture in D&C 88:76 - 80. I have always heard verses 76 - 78 mentioned and studied, but never enough of 79 and 80. The Lord expects us to be constantly educating ourselves - be it formally in the classroom or informally, like being open to new experiences and view points. This form of learning - the spiritual and temporal - in the end truly prepares us for real life.

Or in other words, Eternal Life.