Learning Something New Together

Teaching lesson

They decided to try a recipe neither had made before.

One wanted to read every instruction first. The other was ready to begin and work out the details along the way.

Before the meal was finished, they had discovered something familiar about themselves: even learning something simple could become a struggle over whose way was best.

Then they laughed, read the next step together, and started again.

The meal was not perfect. But the evening gave them something they had been missing: the pleasure of discovering and learning side by side.

Proverbs tells us that a wise person continues to hear and increase in learning. Wisdom includes the humility to receive instruction, even when we are accustomed to being capable.

A shared learning experience gives a couple room to practise that humility.

Neither person needs to have all the answers. Both can ask questions, make mistakes, and offer encouragement. There can be joy in seeing a different side of the person you know so well.

You might learn a practical skill, explore a passage of Scripture more carefully, or ask someone to teach you something you have both wanted to understand.

Keep it simple and suited to your circumstances. A shared experience does not have to cost money or fill an already crowded schedule.

Choose something you both welcome, rather than making your spouse participate in an activity they dread.

Pay attention to the way you treat each other while learning. Do you become impatient when your spouse needs another explanation? Can you accept their help? Does a mistake become a reason to criticise, or an opportunity to show grace?

The activity offers more than a new skill. It gives you a setting in which to practise being patient, teachable companions.

Let yourselves be beginners for a little while.

You may discover fresh enjoyment in learning together, even before you become good at what you are trying.