You Live and Learn Part 1
December 2, 2025
You Live and Learn Part 1
We invite you to join us for this week’s series of Daily Reflections: “You Live and Learn.”
The old saying “You live and learn” has been around for centuries, appearing in English writings as far back as the 1500s. Its meaning is timeless: we gain wisdom and understanding through life’s experiences, especially the difficult or surprising ones. George Gascoigne wrote in 1576 in his play, “The Glass Government,” that life itself is a kind of school, and according to our teachers, our mistakes become lessons.
Many faith traditions echo this truth. They teach that life is a spiritual journey designed to help us love our souls more purely and perfectly. We learn by living, trying, failing, and trying again.
The saying, “You live and learn” does not say “I live and learn.” That pivotal word “You” reminds us that everyone learns this way. The universal nature of the saying softens our self-blame and connects us to the collective human experience of learning through imperfection.
I vividly remember a way “I lived and learned” that has followed me over 50 years. I was a college student moving to a new school a long distance away. My father warned me that pulling a small U-Haul trailer might strain my car’s engine and even blow it out. But I had seen plenty of cars towing trailers, so in my late-adolescent manner, I brushed off his advice.
Somewhere on the interstate highway, smoke began pouring from under my hood. I pulled over and discovered the engine was on fire. With my hands, I scooped red dirt from the roadside and threw it on the flames. The fire went out, but suddenly I felt sharp stings all over my hands and arms. The dirt was crawling with huge red ants!
There I was, covered in bites, with a burned-out engine and a trailer full of my belongings. I had to eat crow and call my dad to ask for help. He sent my brother Trevor to make the trek to fetch me. I will always remember that Dad laughed and never let me forget the ordeal. All I could say in my defense was, “Well, Dad, you live and learn.”
That day, I learned more than a mechanical lesson. I learned humility, respect for experience, and that listening and considering all possibilities without rose colored glasses can save a lot of pain.
Spiritual practice: Have you ever been thankful for your mistakes? Try journaling the top mistakes of your life and what each taught you. Without them, how would you have gained the wisdom you carry now?
Self-inquiry: Why are your mistakes essential to the growth of your consciousness?
Prayer:
Dear God, Bless me—and bless my mistakes— that through them I may grow closer to You. Amen.
