I didn’t immerse myself in learning Dari (or the even MORE challenging Pashto) language during my time in Afghanistan. In full disclosure, I started classes with other teachers at my school upon arrival but failed to persevere. I found it difficult to concentrate in our late afternoon classes after a full 8–9-hour workday in an administrative job that was not familiar to me in a place completely foreign to me. (I also soon hired the Dari teacher to work at our school since her English was proficient for our international students.) 

As a lifelong learner, I believed I could add a brain file, build a new muscle for language acquisition, but I was already stretching my brain plenty. I had never been a principal, never lived overseas, never worked at an international school, and never lived on a closed compound with my staff. Add the challenges and nuances of transitioning without my children or friends to a war-ravaged, male-dominated, less modern environment in my late 40’s, and well, you get the picture.

Studies over the past decades tell us that the best tactic to encourage growth is: focus on effort, problem-solving strategies, and perseverance. Our brain and smartness can be expanded through practice, challenging experiences, and determination-not-to-quit. A growth mindset spotlights process rather than ability, produces better achievement, life-long learning habits, and overall personal satisfaction. It seems no one really knows the full capacity of our God-created brains but we do know it has amazing potential that we should embrace. 

Given the example of our Creator and Building God, always future-oriented, we do well to train our brains on the Eternal Word. Combine that power with the 24/7 availability of the ultra-wise Holy Spirit Counselor and our minds will be equipped to stand against cultural lies and fads, as well as discern the next wise use of our resources and time. 

We are made to expand our minds daily, grow into His likeness, grow in knowledge, Truth, and wisdom so we can glorify His name and live well.