I spent a lot of time in my years of studying theology and philosophy pondering the meaning of this seemingly simple directive found in Matthew 18:3-5…
“Change and become like little children.”
Even now, many years since I last considered myself “religious,” I still think about that verse and what it means.
The first part of my adult years was the opposite: an attempt to be even more “adult,” and I never felt like I was “adulting” well enough (I still don’t, but I’ve learned to better accept it now). Back then I wanted to reach this recondite goal of becoming A REAL ADULT (whatever that means). I didn’t learn to appreciate each step in the journey through life until much later.
I’ve been teaching children for years, I taught kids long before I became a children’s martial arts instructor. Turns out those children have taught me the most valuable lessons of life and learning.
Kids are open to new ideas, wild ideas, fun ideas, wacky ideas. The ADULTS are the ones who roll their eyes, scoff, and make excuses. Kids have a sense of awe and wonder. Adults have this horrible habit of driving curiosity and wonder out of a child.
But how can we learn unless we are curious? The best students are explorers, scientists, experimenters, wanderers, travelers, pilgrims, skeptics, seekers, daydreamers, adventurers, lovers, artists, creators. We need to nurture this sense of wonder and excitement in our children, and in ourselves.
Yet our educational system forces kids into uncomfortable desks, points them all in one direction, and focuses primarily on a student’s ability to *memorize* rather than actually learn and grow.
And we wonder why so many kids hate school.
The first teacher who inspired me to become a lifelong learner was Mr. Kruzan in high school. He made learning fun. He displayed a genuine love and excitement for the material he taught, which made his students eager to learn for the sake of learning. Much of who I am as a thinker and a student today is due to his influence all those years ago.
Children love to learn! They are curious. They like getting their hands dirty. They like to laugh and try new things. ADULTS are the ones who quash this innate desire in an attempt to maintain their “dignity.”
Kids ask questions! They ask the best questions. They come up with incredible ideas! Adults often stay quiet for fear of sounding foolish or incompetent. ADULTS want to think (or want other adults around them to think) that they already have the answers. I say put on your white belt, empty your cup, ask the questions, and don’t be afraid of not knowing something.
Jake the Dog said it best…
“Dude, suckin’ at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something.”
Don’t be afraid of your own ignorance, inability, and inexperience. Embrace it! Lack of knowledge is like an empty cup: you get to fill it up with whatever you want, so find something awesome to put in it.
Dead-Logic 