Profound Thoughts?

February 28, 2008

Greetings, Prayer Team!

As we near another education rally (this Sabbath in Lewiston), my thoughts turn once again to philosophy of education.

When I was in college, I often sat myself down in the cafeteria with various friends and acquaintances over a meal. If there came a lull in conversation, I found myself saying, “Has anyone been having profound thoughts today?”

Now, the reaction to my question yielded varied results. Sometimes the faces around me would stare back blankly, as though I was out of my mind. I think some felt shy admitting and broadcasting that their thoughts were indeed profound, as though others would see them as proud or feel intimidated. At others times, one or two pairs of eyes would catch mine, and we would hear an account of infinite numbers, the Oxford comma, or how adding the word “must” to a sentence actually detracts from its credibility. (For example, take the sentence “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Really? Have we asked the single man about this?)

You see, I had begun to understand that a solid education goes beyond knowing those things one needs to know to survive or to make a living. Rather, a true education opens the eyes to the wonders of the universe and the God who created it. Once a student catches a vision of Christ, every branch of learning, in its purest form, points to our Creator and opens new insights to the mind. The learning never stops.

Please pray with us that this Sabbath’s gathering in Lewiston will enhance the desire to learn in both the young students and the old ones.

On behalf of Patsy Wagner,

Heidi C. Corder
Assistant, Office of Philanthropy