your education.”
~ Mark Twain ~
I guess I do still have a language barrier…I thought about this quote since Friday and couldn’t figure out what Mr. Twain was suggesting. So, first I went on-line and consulted the Webster Dictionary. After that it still wasn’t clear (I guess the summer heat did take every last usable brain-cell) I checked my German-English Dictionary, which didn’t help either…Humph, so I swallowed my pride and checked with the two guys I live with (I am talking about hubby and son ~ what did you think?!?)…And low and behold, they were able to explain it to me…
Okay, so with the new knowledge/insight I set off to write about the quote in my own words…So, with school we might not be learning enough to get us through life? Hmm? Really? I never thought about it that way. Well, when I looked at the definition on Webster for school/schooling (1a: to teach or drill in a specific knowledge or skill “well schooled in languages”. b: to discipline or habituate to something “school oneself in patience”), schooling is described as a ‘drill‘…
Thinking about ‘drilling in somthing’ or ‘really knowing something from the heart’, that is when it hit me right between the eyes. There are some Bible passages (actually a lot of them) that I read over and over again, and really don’t understand. But than one day I read the same passage and the little light bulb goes on “Aha, this is what it means”. So in order to really understand the Bible, I need the help of the Ultimate Educator. Only with His help can I understand the meaning…
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” ~ John 16:7 (NIV)
I am probably way of on putting this particular quote into my own words. Like I said, I think I have a language barrier ~ especially on this quote…I hope that next week, I will understand the quote from the beginning and don’t have to poke around in the dark :grin:…
PS: Looking for “Tackle Tuesday”? Please scroll down :wink:.
I have the ‘lightbulb moment’ too with scripture. And is n’t it amazing how words fly off the page when He wants you to notice something.
I think you did a great job with the quote. There are many different ways to learn things but until you find the way that He wants for you, you will remain in the dark.
I also think you did a great job with the quote! Thanks for sharing what you thought it meant!
I love love love the “aha” moments I have. I love your post.
I think you have a good take.
If you interpret the Bible based on your wordly schooling, you will likely never get it. Let His Spirit guide you is the true education.
Well, I understand the language very well and I still went to the dictionary first! So don’t feel bad!
Great post! I have lots of “ah ha” moments with scripture too. Lately it feels like I’ve never read the book before! Talk about ah hahaaing!!
Oh, you’re one of a kind. That’s what I like about you. You are so honest and you tell us your struggle, that is all part of the fun in this one. I’ll try to be more “Iris” friendly in the future when choosing quotes. lol
I didn’t even try and now after reading yours my light bulb went off. When going to college I moaned about some classes. Why did we have to take them, and my brother gave the usual quote “To make you a well rounded person!” Now I understand so well what he means. I have seen very highly educated people that don’t have a clue about life! I think that is what was meant by this weeks quote!
I also have those lightbulb moments, I will email you with one I just had last week.
I think you have it right! We definitely need to have the Holy Spirit to educate us. If we try to teach ourselves, we will miss out on so much!
No language barrier there…that is how I interpreted it also…we get so focused on the unimportant in our schooling that the important parts of the educational process goes along unnoticed until it can’t stand it anymore and then the light bulb comes on…..so in my classes I try and get my kids to discern what might be considered the “unimportant” first, very briefly so we can concentrate on the truly important stuff…building a life that is fantabulous!!!
Awesome! So true. I remember before I was a believer, I could NOT get through the bible to save my life. I just didn’t understand it at all. Now, I read it and I understand so much more. Don’t get me wrong, I still have to wait for my lightbulb moments too, and how exciting it is when it happens!
You did just fine!
😉
Nope, I would say you were bang on, not way off…I like your comments on the Ultimate Educator opening your eyes to the truth in the Word. Great job
I have to tell you I think it is totally, totally awesome that you are so skilled writing English. Knowing that it’s not your native tongue makes it all the more special. I know French (we have to learn it in Canada), but I wouldn’t dare write a blog in French. Tres Bien!
Hey sweetie. At least you tried, and did well. I looked at the quote and thought to myself, “Naw, my brain cells are all dead today.” 🙂 Although it did occur to me that coming to God means we have to ‘unlearn’ so much, don’t we? Good post, and great scripture.
hugs,
VIcki
Oh, Iris…sometimes…SOMETIMES, I think bloggers are too nice (of course, sometimes, they aren’t “nice” at all, so if there has to be “err”, better on the side of nice!). It surprises me only a few of the many commentors offered their take on Twain’s quote…a further elaboration on what he might’ve meant, or what it means to them.
My take is simple…don’t restrict yourself to “book smarts” (formal education, academics) at the expense of “street smarts” (life experiences, relationships, circumstances, common sense, etc.). Does that make sense? I know your men clarified for ya, but I thought I’d share my two cents, too :). I very much appreciate people who comment on my blog who share their own opinions, not just agree with mine (particularly when done kindly and respectfully, but even those who are a bit…harsh (?) cause me to think).
Your perspective on how the Holy Spirit is our ultimate educator is dead on…loved that analogy. After all, those lessons are the ones that will last f o r e v e r.