In just a few days, children of all school ages will be returning to school. Most children and parents of school-aged children will be happy to get back into a routine. Soon, university and college will begin and students of all ages will begin a more serious study in their field of interest. Education is truly a wonderful thing and a privilege for anyone fortunate enough to pursue more knowledge. But learning can have its pressures, too. Students of all ages, who are trying to reach a certain mark or level, so that they will be awarded, either by moving into the next grade or semester, or perhaps receiving a scholarship for further education, are especially at risk for stress-related issues. Even children of today feel pressures to succeed that I know I never felt until I at least reached high school, and I had to make the grade before I could even graduate! But that was no problem. I made sure I worked just hard enough to graduate.
Since graduating from high school, I have attended two separate colleges; and one university where I received two separate degrees. I have also taken a correspondence course in magazine writing, and graduated with a certificate. I also received a certificate in TESL (English as a Second Language). As well, I began a business administration course through night school, took a few courses, but never completed the rest. I have taken art courses, computer courses through work and other computer/business courses. So I have had a lot of education and I know what it means to feel pressure. Learning really pushes us out of our comfort zones, and forces our brain to reach a little deeper to add new understanding to what we already know. In educational terms, it is called “scaffolding.” For example, we may know something about computers, but nothing about coding in HTML. So we use what knowledge we have about computers (like turning it on and finding our programs), and then we discover the computer language of HTML. And with our new skills, one day we may have all the credentials we need to get a really good-paying job.
For me, probably the most difficult time concerning my education, was when I was working full time and going to night school. I did this for six years, and I was so tired by the end of it, that I wondered if I could finish it all. I took 15 full 6 credit hour courses, gave up five beautiful summers in summer school, and missed many weekends year-round with my family or going away like I always had done before. I only had about three weeks at the end of the summer where I took some time off for a little holiday. But I kept the goal in mind, that I was going to graduate and then I’d be done. During that last year, because of some unpleasant things that had happened to me at work and in my personal life, I started to experience a minor breakdown and a burn-out. I had to take time off work for about a year, and then slowly went back working only part-time. I kept up with my studies, since I was advised to keep my mind occupied, but everything else suffered, especially my finances! But I am so glad I stuck it out with my long-term goals of completing my education.
I know of some people who, when they reach the burn-out stage of their education, or things get too tough, just quit, and sometimes never complete their education. Whenever I’ve met such people, I always encourage them to go back and finish their education, or if they are about to quit, to keep going. At least two people that I encouraged in this way did just that. One person went back and completed the degree, and the other person kept going and completed theirs. Both of these people are now working in their professional field of choice. I do not know if the other people I encouraged kept going or went back to complete it or not. But as in anything else in life that seems overwhelming, we must learn to ask for help. I prayed my way through all my education, and was able to complete most of it (except when I was a teenager, was backslidden, and didn’t ask God to help me complete my first college degree). When I went to university, sometimes I’d be overwhelmed when I had to write an essay (and I must have written 40 or more altogether). So I’d pray and God would send me help, or He’d clarify my thoughts so I could organize my essay and write it coherently without jumping all over the place. I discovered that when I worked hard and did my part (the research for essays and study for exams), God would step in and do His part (clarify my thoughts and help me remember what I needed during exams).
I also learned how important it is to make sure and stand up for the Truth, according to the principals in the Bible. If my professor denied God in class or had the audacity to make fun of my beliefs, I would challenge him or her, no matter what it might cost me in terms of a grade. I also tried to incorporate examples from the Bible in many of my essays (especially those in English literature). I believe that God rewarded me for doing this. When I was forced to take a science course as part of my degree and I had to study evolution, since we were told to never once mention the possibility of creation (so much for critical thinking!), I prayed and asked God to help me through this godless course, and He did. Actually, I had read almost every book about the evidence of creation from a popular Christian author (Henry Morris) who was also a scientist, so I was already well grounded. So that is my next piece of advice – if you are attending a secular university, make sure you are well grounded in the Word of God before you ever enroll. It will go a long way in keeping your thoughts right before God and man, and will save you a lot of heartache later on. After graduating, it still took me about a year of solid Bible reading to re-gain my spiritual footing and renew my thoughts and heart before God.
So, although education is a great thing, our spiritual lives are much more important. If you are a parent with small children and your children will be attending a public school, pray for them every day. Also, never hesitate to speak to the teachers to find out what exactly they are teaching your children. You may be surprised at some of the literature your children will be exposed to. Try to keep on top of that and if you disagree with what they are teaching your child, pull them out of the classroom and tell the teacher(s) it goes against your beliefs, and then ask for alternative literature or lessons. In some cases, you may have to take them out of the public school altogether, and enroll them in a Bible-based Christian school of your choice. And keep tabs on them when it comes to technology. Find out what sites they’re going to on the internet, and use your better judgment when it comes to allowing them to have a smart phone! You are their first and most influential teacher, not the school. Participate fully in their learning experience and you’ll have much less to worry about now and later on. If it means cutting back on other things (career and extra-curricular), then do so, because what your children learn now will shape their entire lives.
Pro 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—
Pro 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Pro 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
Pro 1:9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
Pro 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. NIV
We are all in a state of learning, whether we’re in school or not. Life has many lessons to teach us and sometimes they will be hard. But if we know Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, He will be there with us to help us succeed at every stage of the learning process. May God be with you and bless you today in whatever learning stage you are at!
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