Inspire

Being Curious

There are many reasons and much research to support the importance of being curious. It is important as it keeps your mind active, makes your mind observant, opens up new worlds and possibilities and brings excitement into your life. As you move around St Paul, you will often see evidence of our children being curious and can clearly see the pure joy on their faces as they explore, inquire and share their observations with others. 

 

This week, I have been lucky enough to have the amazing opportunity to visit a number of schools in Melbourne. As an educator, it is always fascinating to explore other schools and see how learners and educators work together, to be inspired and curious about how their learning spaces are mindfully created and to hear their stories. 

 

We often encourage our children to be curious and to share their wonderings and observations, and so this week it was great to be reminded that, as educators, we too should be curious and share our ponderings, especially about why we teach the way we do and why we feel so strongly about how important our learning environments are in making learning meaningful and sparking curiosity.  

 

Albert Einstein once said:

 

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvellous structure of reality.  It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day.  Never lose a holy curiosity.”

 

Curiosity is most definitely a gift from God! We were designed to be curious, and our Creator gifted us all with an appetite to know more. Children are often great reminders of the importance of looking at our world with unbridled awe and wonder. And we know that Jesus adored and welcomed children; in fact, he instructs us all to have a childlike faith (Matthew 18:3). That type of faith is trusting yet curious. It seeks new insights, asks questions, and wonders how Jesus would address challenges. 

 

God wants us to continue learning; to continue growing and to be curious. If you have a curious mind, give thanks to God for that gift. Keep asking lots of good questions. God loves that! Explore the world and everything he created. Show your love and care for others by getting to know them better. Finally, be curious about God’s Word and learn something new about your Creator each day. It will deepen your relationship with God. 

 

Heavenly Father, whether we are very young or very old, we are all your children. Stir in us a deep ­curiosity about all that you want to teach us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

 

Submitted by Bec Mattner