Teacher and Student

Step Thirteen of Religious Recovery states that “…when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” When I read that saying the first thing I feel is relief. I don’t have to go looking for recruits because when they are ready, they will find me — or the Religious Recovery program. Another interpretation I see in that sentiment is that the student will appear when the teacher is ready.

Sometimes we forget the nature of the relationship of student and teacher. They come together to learn from one another. One may be designated as the teacher and the other the pupil, but the roles are interchanged repeatedly throughout the course of their relationship. One may learn more from one than the other, but it is not possible for one to come away without learning something. And so it is that we teach in order that we may learn.

If we struggle with a new concept, one of the best ways to gain mastery over it is to attempt to teach it to another. At first, the student may not comprehend what we’re trying to say. So, we look for other ways to explain it. In doing this, we help clarify the concept in our own minds until we eventually feel as if we have “got it.” We must always remember that teaching also includes showing. We can’t teach someone about love without loving them.