who do you learn from?

I have just finished my masters degree from fuller theological seminary. i have spent the last three years taking classes and reading books written by those who very well may be the smartest people on the given subjects, and i am grateful for that opportunity. however i can not help but be struck by the reality that sometimes, all of the most brilliant discussions and thoughts about a theological or ministry topic often falls short to an individual that has decided to follow jesus in faith and has a simple understanding of the way that jesus is at work in their life. A room full of theologians and pastors can learn a lot from being in a group of christians that has learned to care for and love one another, even and especially those that take more time to let be apart of their community. Sometimes its the ones that we have to wait for that can teach us the most.