Studies show that being a lifelong learner can benefit your mind, career, mental health and social life, but it also takes some investment of time and resources. This month, Good News Wants to Know… If you could learn one skill instantly, what would it be?

If I could Learn one skill instantly I would like to learn how to JUGGLE. I JUGGLE a handful of things on any given day (which I’m sure most of us do). If I could actually learn how to JUGGLE without dropping anything, I believe that would be a great skill to have, LOL. Also in Children’s Ministry, I always admire people who know how to JUGGLE. It’s a great way to get the kids attention!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

Instantly I would like to be more proficient in IT and computer skills. This would greatly benefit me but be even more beneficial to my legal assistant, Jill, who regularly hears: “Jill, how do I do this!?”

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott, Attorney at Law

I would love to learn how to punt the ball like a pro. Like pin the defense on the one-yard line every time. It’s really the only position on professional sports I’m young enough to do without getting hurt right away.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

Languages. If gifted with one skill, I’d love to be adept at speaking multiple languages. I’ve always believed the more effectively we can communicate, the more effectively we can collaborate. And though I’ve studied Spanish and French…well, I’m anything but effective at either. 

Brian Mudd, Program Director and Host of The Brian Mudd Show, iHeartMedia

I’ve always admired people who can fix just about anything. You know, those people who can investigate, diagnose and repair without calling and paying others to come and “save the day.” That skill. I want to learn handyman skills. Mrs. Simpson agrees.

Chris Simpson, President, CBMC International

I love this question. It is the essence of what I do – seeking to be better today than I was yesterday and better tomorrow than I am today. This philosophy drives my business model and my work with business owners seeking to do the same. If I could learn one skill instantly and be a master at it, it would be the ability to sing. I love music but was clearly absent on the day God handed out the ability-to-sing gift! However, I’m your guy if anyone needs a grating chalkboard experience.

Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers

As I’ve gotten older, it’s proven more difficult to memorize, so the one skill/ability I’d like to acquire is to have memorized the entire Bible. I’d encourage you younger folks to do it while you’re young!

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

I would love to learn the skill of hearing. Physically I can hear ok but am I listening to perhaps what is not being said?

In Luke 8:18 Jesus tells us, “…consider carefully how you listen.” I’ve known folks that are very gifted in the art of listening, and I desire that. Lord, my prayer would be that you give me the skill of not just hearing with my ears but listening with my heart as well.

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

I have always wanted to be able to write better. Such as be able to write a high quality book. So much to tell, but I am not very good at it!

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and Hope South Florida

How to be more empathetic. Being able to understand how others feel before you speak or act. Ability to understand other people’s perspective.

Gregg Wallick, President and CEO, Best Roofing, Inc.

A learned skill is also called experience. My wish is that we could fully see the truth about others before completely trusting. Before being disappointed. But we’re all human and fallible. One day we will be totally transparent: in eternity.

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

God gave Solomon an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:9-10). Wisdom with people, I believe, is one of the most valuable skills a person could have.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

I believe it would be to learn how to play a musical instrument (trumpet). The Lord loves music, especially when that music focuses on worshipping and praising Him alone!

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

I would love to have deeper insight into psychology — better understanding the “why” behind how both others and I think.

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

I’d like to learn multiple languages.

Lisa May, Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida

I would love to be fluent in Spanish.  I know some but cannot have a conversation in Spanish.  This is so needed in our area of Florida as we have many neighborhoods that speak mostly Spanish.  We have many ministry partners here at The Caring Place that call us, come to events and help our homeless and hungry.  I would love to be fluent in my conversations with them.  I have lived in another country (4 years)  and learned the language enough to converse at an elementary level.  It means so much to people to speak their native tongue.  It shows you care.  I would love to instantly know Spanish and be able to show I CARE to our Spanish speaking neighbors and partners.

Marilyn Brummitt, VP of Development, The Caring Place

I would like to have more mechanical skills to be able to build things and fix things. While I have improved in this area over the years, I still operate under the premise that it is cheaper to call in the professional upfront rather than to have him or her come by and clean up the mess I have made trying to do it myself!

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

If I could learn one skill instantly it would be the ability to fly a plane. My son is a pilot, and I would love to be able to do that activity together!

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

A skill I always thought to be exciting and creative would be designing and building unique homes. I have always been fascinated by architecture. One of the reasons I went to school in Boston, Mass., was because of the beautiful brownstones in Back Bay that lined Newbury Street, Commonwealth Avenue and Boylston Street amongst many others. I so much enjoyed walking the streets and admiring the beautiful and varied designs in each of those homes.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

If I could learn one skill instantly, it would be the Spanish language, because there is a large population of precious Hispanic people living in the vicinity of our church, The Worldwide Christian Center. I would love to be able to witness and preach to them about the saving grace and love of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. When I try to speak to them, many of them respond by saying, “no comprendo,” which means, “I don’t understand.” When I was in college, my major required me to take 12 hours of foreign language, and I took French instead of Spanish, which I regret to this day.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

I love to read and am constantly trying to glean greater knowledge (there is much I do not know). As far as skills are concerned, there is one that I have not been able to acquire. That is memorization. I would love to be able to recollect the book, chapter and verse of scriptures. I can remember that it was written, and what was written, but usually I must google it to find the exact location.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida\

Speed reading with 100% comprehension!

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, LLP

If I could learn one skill instantly, it would be juggling seven balls. Now that I’m old I can’t juggle like I used to.

Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies, Knox Theological Seminary

I totally agree with the benefits of being a lifelong learner no matter how old we get. If I could learn one skill instantly, it would be the ability to sing and play any instruments. I have a high respect for those that God has given such musical talent to and those that choose to use this talent on a church worship team. Although we don’t need talent to worship, it would be a great skill to learn instantly. 

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

If I could wake up one day and be fluent in Spanish speaking, reading and writing, that would be so awesome.  Considering where we live in South Florida, what a blessing it would be when meeting and engaging with new folks. At this stage in my life, waking up would be the only way I will probably learn to speak Spanish!

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

How to relate and work with people, to be humble (it’s a vital skill), and to be a kingdom builder not a castle builder.

Sue Trombino, Founder, Women Impacting the Nation

Since I enjoy travelling, I would love to be able to learn new languages very quickly and fluently.

Susie M. Cohen, PhD, Associate Dean, Assistant Professor of Education, Trinity International University

When I was younger, I had some friendships/relationships that weren’t always healthy. Sometimes they’d tell me things that just didn’t line up with the truth. With my keen interrogating skills, I was able to trip them up and oftentimes get them to confess. One of my friends told me that I should get a law degree.

I thought about it. I would love to fight for people and help defend their rights, but too much time and money. And God had other plans. But, if I could have a skill that enabled me to automatically become one, I’d do it in a heartbeat… Tewannah Aman, Attorney at Law, Defending faith, family and freedom.:. only in my dreams.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward County Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-spring-cleaning/