When the shutdown happened, many of us thought we might learn a new language, or at least brush up on our high-school French. We picked up half-finished novels, or a new old hobby. Maybe, in time, we discovered that our early enthusiasm was not warranted. Nonetheless, that we sought out new learning says much about our human need to learn and grown. We practice spirituality; we learn how to be anti-racist; we grow in spirit. This Sunday we will consider the joys and challenges of growing and learning. We might even caution against assuming that linear, progressive growth is inevitable.