Week 2: Meet the Desley Children!
Weekly Reading: Chapters 2-4
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What an exciting adventure! Within just a few chapters, the Desleys are whisked away to the land of learning and entrusted to the care of their new friend and guardian, Mr. Learning. At first, they are understandably apprehensive of this bushy-browed mentor. Yet they soon discover the value of his wise and faithful counsel.
Do you know anyone like Mr. Learning? Perhaps they didn’t feast on ink and paper for breakfast (or give you a cottage to furnish on your own), but they did bring new challenges and opportunities right to your doorstep. Often, the Lord brings unlikely or even unexpected mentors into our lives to speak truth and wisdom to us.
One such example can be found in the life of a well-known public speaker who has traveled the globe for more than 40 years, inspiring parents, students, and educators. Few people know, however, the struggles he overcame to reach this place of influence. As a young man, he was guided by a “Mr. Learning” of his own—one who was not afraid to bring correction and discipline into his life. Every Friday morning, this mentor faithfully presented him with a lengthy list of the things—big and small—that he had done wrong that week.
This was not an easy relationship, but it shaped the young man’s humility and taught him the great gift it is to have someone who loves you enough to push you forward and challenge you to grow every day. As Dame Desley wisely said:
“Mind that you do all he bids you do; work with cheerful good-will, you will then have reason all your lives to rejoice that you ever knew such a friend.” (Pages 18-19)
Mentors like this may be difficult to understand or respect at first, but we can trust that God has placed them in our lives because He loves us. As Proverbs 3:11-12 (NKJV) reminds us:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
If God is allowing a challenging person or situation into your life, it may be because He loves you and wants to grow your character. When you feel like throwing your math book out the window or snapping at a sibling, pause and pray. Ask the Lord if this is a “Mr. Learning” moment. If it is, how can you respond in love and humility?
Let’s look for ways to honor those God has placed in our lives. It could mean praying for “cheerful good-will” in what you are asked to do, washing the dishes with joy, giving your teachers your full attention, or running the extra lap at practice without complaining. There is always a way to bring a spirit of respect and honor wherever you are.
“The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.
He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.”
(Proverbs 15:31-33, NKJV)
Bible memory verse for week two:
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
