He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 18:26)
MILDRED HAD EARNED her teaching certificate at age eighteen, midway through the Great Depression. Her first classroom was a one-room schoolhouse in rural Nebraska. Her students walked through fields and over dirt roads to come and learn from her. Barely older than her classroom charges, Mildred worked hard to stay ahead of her students and challenge them in an atmosphere filled with creativity and the just-right balance of hard work and fun.
As time went on, the formal requirements for being a teacher changed. Rural one-room schools gave way to consolidated, centralized schools that allowed for more age-focused classrooms. Mildred was “grandfathered” into the more modern approach because she was respected as an educator. Still, Mildred decided that she wanted all the training available to her. So in her forties she decided to get her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. With children still at home, and teaching full time, Mildred went back to college. It was not an easy task, but she worked hard and received her degree.
Apollos was an excellent, highly respected teacher who also determined to be a lifelong learner of Jesus. Mildred’s willingness to learn even though she had been successful as a teacher already was a lot like that of Apollos. Even though each had success, they both were open to learning more, becoming more effective at the thing they were passionate about.
Determine to learn more about Jesus through study today.
Annie Wamberg is a recent empty-nester. She is enjoying the quiet as well as gardening and traveling.
