Identity As A Learner

How different would our thinking be if we came into every context as a learner and invited others to be learners? Imagine the potential if as we got out of bed, interacted with family, friends, peers, colleagues and community members, or arrived at work or school our first thought was, “I am a learner”.  Having an identity as a learner, puts us into a very different energy level and mindset as we engage with the various circumstances that come with each interaction. Seeing ourselves and each other as learners, means we bring and invite a greater sense of wonder and curiosity. We slow down, are open to deep listening, and really seeing who and what is before and around us. We are open to new thinking, forming new connections and understandings. We invite greater creativity and thoughtfulness. We shift from being separate to, in judgment of and control of, to being part of and together with.  We grow the capacity to identify strengths and ways of learning and in doing so strengthen capacity and co-agency. We become more discerning. Being a learner means we “seek first to understand”.

God invites us and created us to come as learners into His world and into relationship with Him. When we have the humility to slow down to engage as learners, our eyes become open to the possibility, beauty and wonder of creation that surrounds us every day. We are invited to learn about ourselves, each other and the world with humility. We are invited to learn about our relationship with God through engagement with story as we read the Bible as a living book which speaks to us differently in our different stages and circumstances of life. As learners, we know that we are in need of God’s grace. Forgiven, we can reset and live empowered through God’s love that is constantly unconditionally given. We are invited to share that same grace and love to our fellow learners. Hope and possibility deepen through being gracious learners together.