Seek and Share Knowledge

A reflection on learning throughout life, sharing what we know with humility, and making time to teach the next generation.

Over the past several years, I have tried to learn as much as I can, whenever and wherever I can. Life teaches us through both success and failure. We can learn from our own mistakes and, when we are wise, from the experiences of others too.

People sometimes set themselves up for failure by deciding they cannot succeed before they try. It is true that we face limits and obstacles that are not under our control. But fear should not be the only thing making our choices for us. We can ask what is possible, seek help, and take the next responsible step.

I have reached a point in life where I want to make a difference in the lives of others. One of the qualities I credit with some of my success is the ability to recognize an opportunity without taking advantage of people. Education can help people see more possibilities, though learning alone does not guarantee success. Access to teachers, time, resources, and encouragement matters too.

James writes that the wisdom from above is “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). When we share knowledge, we should do it in that spirit: not to show that we know more, but to help someone grow.

Teaching and changing lives

If you have a family, participate in it actively. Make time to be the parent your child needs you to be. I always say, “You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.” When time is gone, it is gone.

Teach your children as opportunities arise. Some lessons happen at the dinner table, some in the car, and some when a child asks a question we did not expect. Parents are the first educators of their children, and family life is a school of virtue (Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC 2221–2223). Our example matters as much as our words.

Saint Paul says that the Law served as a guide leading us to Christ (Galatians 3:24–26). This does not mean that Christian life has no moral teaching. The Catechism explains that Christ fulfills and perfects the Old Law, and that the New Law is the law of love and grace (CCC 1963, 1965, 1972). We are saved by God’s grace, and that grace helps us live in love. As Saint Paul writes, “Love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13:10).

I have often told my children, “Do good things and good things will happen; do bad things and bad things will happen.” I meant to encourage them to choose what is right. I would say it more carefully now: doing good is worthwhile even when we do not see an immediate reward, and bad choices do not always bring quick consequences. We choose the good because it is good and because we love God and neighbor.

One day my young son came home from school and told me that he had stood up to a classmate who was picking on a smaller student. He told the boy to stop and reminded him that bad actions have consequences. The bully walked away and left the younger child alone.

I was proud that my son noticed someone being hurt and tried to help. Children should also know that they do not have to face bullying alone. They can get help from a teacher or another trusted adult, especially if someone may be in danger. Jesus calls us to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:39), and sometimes love means speaking up; sometimes it means finding an adult who can safely step in.

Parents influence their children, but we do not control every choice they will make. We can teach, model, encourage, and pray, while respecting their growing freedom and helping them take responsibility.

Small actions, big results

Recently, I began closing my retail store an hour earlier. That small change let me be home at dinner time more often. I would not want to give up that hour again. We have had many opportunities to talk around the table, and I have been able to share some of what I have learned.

Those conversations do not replace school or other teachers. They add something personal: our children get to ask questions, hear family stories, and see how ideas connect to real life. Knowledge can be passed from one generation to another and improved along the way.

Scripture encourages parents to speak of God’s words in the ordinary rhythms of the day (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Saint Paul tells children to honor their parents, and he also tells fathers not to provoke their children but to bring them up with care and instruction (Ephesians 6:1–4). Teaching works best when it is joined with patience, respect, and love.

The big red canoe

Stories can help children remember important lessons. I once made up a simple checklist story to teach my children about getting ready for a canoe trip.

Today Joslyn and Jordan are going canoeing with their dad. Before they go, they have a few things to check.

1. Does everyone have a properly fitted life jacket?
2. Do we have the paddles we need?
3. Did we remember the big red canoe?

“Do we have a life jacket for everyone?” their dad asks.

“Check!” the children answer.

“Do we have the paddles?”

“Check!”

“And do we have the big red canoe?”

“Check!” Joslyn and Jordan laugh.

“Wagons roll!” says their dad.

A simple story can make safety memorable. We should also make sure the life jackets fit, check the weather and water conditions, and follow local safety guidance. Teaching children means showing them how to have fun while taking care of themselves and one another.

Keep learning and keep sharing

Wisdom is not just collecting facts. It includes listening, asking questions, admitting when we do not know, and being willing to correct ourselves. Proverbs says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding” (Proverbs 3:13).

When we have learned something useful, we can share it generously. We should not use knowledge to embarrass people or claim control over their choices. We can teach in a way that invites questions and helps others become more capable themselves.

The parable of the talents reminds us to be faithful with what has been entrusted to us (Matthew 25:14–30). Our abilities and opportunities are gifts meant to be put to good use. Their fruit may not be money or public success. It may be a child who feels safe asking a question, a neighbor who receives helpful advice, or a family that grows closer over time.

A prayer for learning and teaching

Heavenly Father, thank You for the ability to learn and for the people who have shared their wisdom with me.

Help me stay humble enough to listen, patient enough to teach, and generous enough to share what I know. Give parents and caregivers time and strength to guide children with truth, example, and love.

Help me use my gifts for the good of others and keep learning throughout my life. May the wisdom You give bear good fruit in my family and community. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Conclusion

Seek knowledge, but seek wisdom with it. Learn from experience, ask good questions, and share what you know in a way that respects the person listening.

Make time for your children and the people you love. Teach them through words, stories, and example, while remembering that every person has the freedom to grow at their own pace.

We may not control what the next generation does with every lesson, but we can offer them truth, encouragement, and love. That is a gift worth passing on.