Growing in knowledge

Do you feel that you are ignorant? Know nothing at all? How can you gain wisdom?

We can always work on improving ourselves to be better. I am a testament to that. Growing up, I am not really good in talking spontaneously in class. I am afraid to to be called during class discussions. I am not good in speaking. I am quite shy and a silent student in the corner. I was not confident to speak and I was conscious. I thought that I will utter wrong words and I don't want to be embarrass in front of a lot of people.  To reduce the risk of getting wrong, I just kept silent and passive.

When I began working in the academe, I always have the opportunity to speak and render a simple message during programs. Sometimes these speeches are impromptu and I do not know what to say. Then, I came across an organization called Toastmasters International. At first I thought its all about being a host in programs. But when my former colleagues in Davao Chamber shared about it. I was curious and attended my first meeting last May 2019.

After my first meeting, I was amazed by the positive vibes and the learning environment. Members of the club value lifelong learning. They were very eager to learn despite the status of their careers. They are a group of professionals i.e. CEOs, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, accountants and etc. Despite their status, they are humble and enjoy learning and accept constructive comments from their peers. 

For over 6 years being a member of the club, I came to realize that its not all about being able to harness my public speaking and leadership skills. Toastmasters taught me the right attitude to have discipline in time in attending meetings and delivering speeches. Aside from that, it also taught me to be humble and resilient. I was able to let go of pride and ego, when a peer evaluates me. I am not disappointed or angry with their comments. It also taught me to deliver an assessment to my peers without insulting them but by doing it in a diplomatic way. 

If we love something, we can always find ways to learn and withstand any obstacle in our way. This is also what Paul emphasize in his letter to the Philippians:

"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding." - Philippians 1:9

We have the opportunity to learn and increase our knowledge and understanding in all things we are interested in. I was not afraid to admit that I do not know all things. And its okay. I do not to pretend to know something that I am not really sure of. It gives me freedom and released me from the burden of pressure to know everything, to be expert about everything. After all, we only have one college diploma and my knowledge is only in that realm. However, we can always expand our knowledge and understanding by studying and reading the word of God. Its never too late to grow in our walk with God.

Start your journey today!