I love experiential training. It is hands-on, tangible, and filled with purpose. There is a beginning and a goal. Every instruction and experience passed on can be used. My reflection usually stops here, and I forget there is a practical part to training. It begins when the teacher is no longer in the room, and I put my education into practice alone.
For the past few days, I have been taking decades of experiential education and have started the journey to complete my training. My teacher is only present through my memories. The lessons are there, though, at times, they are fuzzy. The opportunity I trained for is here, now. I miss the safety of having an instructor nearby. I wish I had listened more when he was in the room. So much was shared, yet I sense I missed even more.
Learning is essential to living. I am reminded of the opportunities within every moment, wondering why I squandered so many over the years. It is a lesson within the lesson. Learning is at the core of what it means to live, contribute, and grow. In many forms, “God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training.” (Hebrews 12.7)
Training is rarely perfect the first time. I used to think I was not smart enough. I have come to appreciate that I do not always get it perfect, even when I try my best and put everything I have into the effort. Learning, adapting, and change are part of the cycles of life from birth to death, creation to recreation and restoration. Life is found in the steps we take on the journey. There will be times of reaching and succeeding. Equally, I will also go for the next step and fail. I find the heart of my calling realised as I take a step, learn from the process and outcome, and, with understanding, take the next step.
My teacher is no longer here; his teaching and training are.
