Life Long Learner – Lauren Eggleton

I have traveled a lot in my life. I’ve been on a plane every year and I jokingly refer to the airport as being my third home. Every time I get ready to travel I find myself getting into a proud mindset as I think “I’ve done this before. This will be easy; nothing new. I got this.” This unhealthy perspective was especially true before this trip, where I knew I would be traveling with people far less experienced than I am. God quickly saw my prideful heart and decided to point me in a better direction. He reminded me that I will never know it all; He showed me that being humble is the best way to truly grow and learn.

I enjoyed helping my friends understand the ins and outs of airports and what is proper airplane etiquette, and in doing so God reminded me that there is still more for me to learn as well. I recognized this while being on the first plane ride. God helped me see that I don’t know it all. I will always be a life long learner. I was flying to a new continent, one that spoke a different language and had a culture I have not interacted with. Once I had changed my mindset, I was amazed at how much more I was growing. I paid more attention to the plane announcements that were Portuguese, recognizing that I did not understand most of it but was glad when I comprehended certain words and phrases. I looked out the airplane windows more and was able to see those magnificent mountains shown above. I have never seen anything like it.

I will always be grateful for the experiences God has blessed me with, but this trip has shown me that it is not something to gloat over. I experienced new things just like everyone else. I am beyond excited to spend the next three weeks in this country that is similar to places I have been to before and yet is its own unique country that has a lot to teach me. I pray that the temptation of being prideful does not creep back into my heart and mind, because I want to grow. God has made humans life long learners, and boy, do I have a lot more to learn.