“Back to school” notices seem to be everywhere at this time of year, especially in stores that sell school supplies. These reminders may cause some students to feel uneasy, even anxious or sad. The summer vacations can get boring at times, but the rigid routine of daily class-work and evening homework can often seem to deprive the young folks of a lot of desired leisure and play time. Therefore, “back to school” is not a promising or delightful reminder for our younger brothers and sisters.
In our Franciscan tradition, we foster the idea of “ongoing education” and “ongoing formation.” The premise and belief for this is that education and formation are continuing processes through our lives. Education and formation are not reserved for the young; nor do these aspects of life come to an end with a certain chronological year or with a graduation ceremony. Like the journey of developing faith which continues until we die, education and formation remain essential aspects of everyday human life and growth. If we are not growing in awareness of truth, compassion, and love, we are not really alive. Life means growth, and growth ends only with death.
We might let these “back to school” notices be a challenge as well as an opportunity for us. Though we may be past the age of formal schooling, we are not past the age of study, learning, and spiritual formation and growth. In this regard we can be “sitters” or “seekers.” “Sitters” are those who feel they learned all they need to know when they were in grade school or high school or sometime in their younger years. Their minds are closed, confident that their opinions and beliefs are unchangeable; their concepts are set in concrete! They have not only the correct answers, but the only possible answers! The “seekers” are different. These men and women are alive and always on a quest to discover something new and different to enrich their learning experiences. They seek to become the more conscious and mature persons that God made them to be. Such people read, discuss, participate in lectures and seminars, converse with spiritual directors, and engage in lofty conversations with their peers about their relationships with God. They are willing to be companioned, and to companion others on their journey of faith in everyday life.
God bless these “seekers” who continue to spur us on, encourage us, motivate us, and inspire us to persevere actively on our journey of faith. Perhaps the “back to school” signs can motivate all of us to have an enriching and, believe it or not, enjoyable school year!