Things He Can't Teach

Back in 2008, I read Chris Lott’s blog. He stopped writing for a while and then began again. His earlier posts have disappeared, so I can’t direct you to his wise words. But luckily I copied one of my favorite posts he called, “Things I Can’t Teach.” He didn’t mind my sharing then, and I hope he still feels the same.
What to my wondering eyes should appear ... photo © 2008 James Jordan | more info (via: Wylio)

That being open to learning often means being challenged, being
surprised, being overwhelmed, and being wrong. Sometimes all of these things at once. And it’s OK.
That some of the best learning experiences come from being vulnerable- a key part of being open- and vulnerability’s OK.
That vulnerability- even the good kind- often involves fear. And fear’s OK.
That none of these things matter if you don’t care and the
fact that you don’t care isn’t always- or even often- your fault. It’s
not a permanent condition. It’s OK to care.
That the upper register of caring is in harmony with passion
and while we can’t all be passionate about the same things we can
respect it when we see it, hold onto it when we discover it, and look
for it everywhere. Go ahead: dig through the drawers, go for dessert
first, wonder aloud, and ask big questions. It’s OK.
That being passionate can make us strangers in our own skin-
not to mention our world of friends, acquaintances, peers and family-
and that’s OK.
That wonder is just one down-stroke past wander, you can’t
have the first if you don’t do the second, and wonder isn’t only
wanting to know something you don’t, but a state of being, as in being
awestruck or being in love.