Learning is a lifelong journey

Thought

This is time of the year when we see the results of the hard work that our A-level and GCSE students have put-in to achieve some excellent grades. We congratulate those who have done well and whose names appear in the paper. They deserve the accolade but we need also to think about and praise those whose names may not appear in the result sheets – not the high flyers but those who nevertheless have done remarkably well.

For some young people to even get a grade E, F or G is as good to them as those who get an A*. It is a brilliant achievement. What we want is for every person to fulfil their potential and to make the best possible use of the opportunities given to them. You can’t ask more than that.

Good exam results are a springboard to Higher Education or employment but we can’t restrict education merely to transmitting knowledge.

What about learning to become good citizens, learning to live with other people or moral values? Education is about learning for life. It equips us for the future to be responsible human beings in today’s society.

The name ‘disciple’ or ‘learner’ was given to the people who responded to the call of Jesus. This is the primary label which needs to be worn by all members of the local church who respond to the same call. We are all learners.

We never stop learning to the end of our lives. The disciples recognised in Jesus a great teacher. They said “Rabbi (teacher) we know that you are a teacher come from God.”

Today he continues to speak and act through his people and through God’s word. To ‘know’ Christ is to experience his love and joy in our hearts!

Canon Stephen Bradberry