The end of the school year always reminds me that learning never ends. I was always amazed, as a teacher, at how long it took each fall to get students “in the grove” of learning after eight weeks “off” during the summer. I’m convinced that around the year schooling is beneficial, but only if the entire school system does it at the same time. It’s terrible when a family has children in several levels of education and they try to balance schedules.
As a retiree, I try to learn something new each day. Sometimes it’s from reading, sometimes from conversation, sometimes, as this week, it’s a time of anticipated gift giving. In a few weeks, my granddaughter is having a birthday. Her current interest is in birds. She may turn into an ornithologist. I bought her several books about birds and have learned some fascinating facts. She won’t mind my sharing. Did you know that fledgling birds, before they hatch, already recognized the sounds of their parents’ bird calls and it imprints on them? It’s like a human baby already recognizes its mother’s voice at birth, Didi you know that birds of the same species have different dialects? Their songs are slightly different. So, if fledglings are transferred from one next to another, the fledglings can sing both dialects? Amazing.
Did you know that robins cock their heads to one side when searching for worms? Many people think they are listening for movement. False. They are using one eye to detect movement of the grass or earth when a worm is present, and with pinpoint accuracy, pull the worm when it is within reach! Did you know that seagulls will sit on pelicans’ backs to steal their dinner? The mockingbird lifts its wings to make an insect “blink,” thereby giving up its presence. Duck feathers of the breast, belly, and flank form a completely waterproof shell, like a boat, around the duck when it swims!
And life experiences, such as the death fo a friend of family member can call us to prayer and release memories of that person’s contributions to our well-being. Ultimately, we can say, as Ainsley Earhardt’s book title says, “I’m so glad you were born to bless so many.” It’s a recognition that we are all unique, and our life experiences and events conjoin to add to who we are. What a blessing others contribute to us.
All of this is to say that God has provided us with minds to recognize His creation and give us the incentive to learn something new each day about His grace, mercy, creativity, and love for us. Let’s make each day count. This, and every day, is the day He has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it, regardless of our circumstances or busyness. To God be the praise.
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