Teaching and learning

I don't remember exactly where I was or what the circumstance was, but I do recall somehow 'hearing' the advise (perhaps it was from the depths of prayer), 'Don't be afraid to show your weakness'.

At first, I must admit that I was somewhat bemused by these few words, but as the day wore on I couldn't help wondering whether there is truly some wisdom to be gleaned from them. Many of us learned from our earliest days of childhood that success and wisdom are judged by how much we know, about the world around us, about how to interpret the signs of the times, about how to make sense of stuff. Unfortunately, this world does not look kindly on those who might actually admit that we don't always have the answers to every question. To do so would indeed be a demonstration of weakness, a sure sign of failure in some people's minds.

This theory has been proven though to be somewhat inconsistent, and that's a good thing. A number of years ago, I remember once having an extraordinary opportunity to listen in person to the wisdom of Jean Vanier. Mr. Vanier, the son of the former Canadian Governor General is well known as a spiritual guru of sorts. His experience with physically and mentally challenged persons, and his own personal mediations about the value of the human person have perhaps helped many to grasp the gospel truth that all people have value in the eyes of God.

Why then is it so difficult at times for us to recognize our own weaknesses ... to see them as opportunities for grace ... to see them as doorways to the sacred truth that at times our weaknesses may actually lead us to our greatest strengths? Before we can actually learn this lesson though, we need to admit our shortcomings. We need to be humbled by our own humanity. We need to let go of our own need to succeed. This can be a very difficult road because it means that we must admit that we are weak, and we must come to grips with the fact that we don't always have all the answers.

Perhaps those of us who are called to teach the lessons of life would do well to pause now and then to reflect on the words we speak. At times, we may be wise to listen to ourselves and to dare to learn from the wisdom that is sometimes spoken as a true gift from God. Then perhaps we will begin to discover the true strength that comes from belief and faith.