Life Abroad @ Valor ~ Teach Them When You Walk by the Way

 

One of the most wonderful opportunities presented by a residential boarding school is the opportunity to engage learning in every aspect of life together.  While the most traditional venue for teaching and learning is often considered to be the classroom or lecture hall, God instructs His followers to teach others "diligently . . . and talk . . . when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."  (Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV)

Jesus' own example reveals to us that He taught in a variety of settings -- outside on the mountain top, inside while reclining at table, walking along the road to Emmaus, and sitting among the teachers of the Law.  Every experience, every circumstance of life is an opportunity to both learn and teach.  Recently, I was called upon to give a message (click on this link to listen) to our weekend residential students who gather together on Sunday morning for a worship service.

But on Saturday morning, my strong colleague, Mr.Indy Jung, and I led another group of students on a two-hour hike up the mountain and along the ridge-top trail.  As we sauntered on our way, we observed the wonder of the autumn colors displayed by a wide variety of trees.  Nearly all of the students had never been shown how to recognize the differences among the trees -- the shape of their leaves, the texture of their bark, and the shape of their growth.  

One tree in particular captured my attention.  It was nestled in among the many chestnut and pines, but its distinctive leaf holds the promise of an emerging brilliant yellow hue as autumn progresses.  What type of tree you may ask?  The Ginkgo Biloba it is!

Can you identify the ginkgo tree?  Do you see it along the trail?  We will be watching it on each week's hike and keeping a record of the emergence of its beautiful yellow autumn color as the days grow cooler and the nights grow longer.

Whether in the classroom, chapel, or walking along a mountain trail, each setting is an opportunity for teaching and learning as we are alert to the wonders of God's creation that testifies to His power and presence.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.   (Romans 1:19–20 ESV)

The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

     Day to day pours out speech,

      and night to night reveals knowledge.   (Psalm 19:1–2 ESV)