The Humility of Learning and Imitating
The Boat Builders by Winslow Homer
Two young lads enjoy a day at the ocean. They are absorbed in their work of building toy boats -- ones that will sail. Across the water, a boat glides along as a prototype. No doubt the boys have studied these sailing ships and are now replicating them in miniature.
Learning about what others have done and then imitating them shows a humble heart ready to learn from those who have gone before us. Every man builds on what others have accomplished before them. If we refuse to learn from others and decide we know better before we even consider their contribution we play a fool.
As adults, who often "know everything", children can be our prototypes. They are interested in so many things with curious minds that probe and learn and build on what others have done. Their minds are flexible and open to possibilities. But are we?
"I tell you the truth unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3-4