Ain’t That A VHIT
By Von C. Howard
When you step back and look at life from a bird’s-eye view, things become clearer. The noise fades, distractions lose their grip, and the bigger picture comes into focus. From that perspective, one truth stands out: real growth requires a teachable spirit.
Being teachable simply means staying open to learning, to correction, and to perspectives different from our own. It is not about how much we know, how old we are, or how much experience we have accumulated. It is about posture. It is the willingness to admit that none of us has arrived and that there is always more to learn.
This truth applies across generations.
Younger people often bring fresh ideas, energy, and a willingness to try new approaches. They see the world through a lens shaped by innovation, technology, and evolving norms. Older generations bring something just as valuable: wisdom gained through lived experience. They have walked through challenges, learned from mistakes, and understood the long-term impact of decisions.
Trouble arises when either group believes it has nothing to learn from the other.
When younger generations dismiss elders as outdated, they miss guidance that could save them time and unnecessary hardship. When elders refuse to listen to younger voices, they risk becoming disconnected from a changing world. A teachable spirit bridges this gap. It replaces tension with understanding and creates space for meaningful exchange.
Being teachable does not mean giving up your convictions or diminishing your experience. It means being secure enough to listen. It means being willing to say, “Help me understand what you see.” That simple act can transform relationships, strengthen communities, and deepen mutual respect.
Throughout life, we move between seasons of learning and teaching. At times, we are students. At other times, we are guides. Often, we are both at once. Healthy families, churches, workplaces, and communities are built when people of all ages are willing to listen to one another without defensiveness.
From a bird’s-eye view, pride limits growth, but teachability expands it. Pride closes ears and hardens hearts. Teachability keeps us flexible and grounded. It allows us to be corrected without being offended and to grow without feeling threatened.
When we step back and see the full picture, it becomes clear: the people who grow the most are those who remain teachable. And when generations learn from one another, everyone benefits, not just individually, but collectively.
In the end, being teachable is not a weakness. It is wisdom in motion.