Words to the Wise

7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in.

1 Kings 3:7

“I am but a little child.”
Solomon, poster child for wisdom, speaks these words to God, at the very beginning of his story. I picture him standing arms outstretched and empty-handed, the classic pose of a man wondering what to do next.  “I do not know how to go out or come in.”  In other words, God, I wait for your guidance.  What next?   

9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

1 Kings 3:9

And this deferential request is granted, because it is neither self-seeking nor self-serving.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13

James reminds us that wisdom isn’t showy. But he lists other admirable qualities:

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

Wisdom is often personified as a white bearded man in long robes or a tall hat enthroned on a big chair...or as a hermit sitting around a fire in a cave.  Athena, the goddess of wisdom, wears a helmet and an owl upon her shoulder.  

I see people everyday who are merciful, kind, sincere and considerate and wear no particular costumes, hide no amulets or magic wands ‘neath their sweatshirts, and dispense advice only when asked.  They volunteer and share, without fanfare.  They call by name.  They are aunts and uncles and neighbors to all they meet.  By James’ definition, these Good Samaritans and cheerful givers are indeed wise.

Wisdom is in works as much as words.  As a matter of fact, saying nothing is often the wisest action of all!

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 17:28

Well! Here is good advice for any of us...and a chance to add by subtracting!   If only keeping our mouths shut and our tongues quiet was that easy…..we could all be Solomons….

Still Learning.....

'I am still learning.'.....

....is Michelangelo's famous quote, one that takes its place on my refrigerator with the postcards of faraway places, the snapshots of adorable grandkids, and a legion of magnets ranging up and down the tacky scale. I used this quote long ago in a talk to the Tarkio National Honor Society banquet in hopes of persuading the graduating seniors that a future in Atchison county would be as rewarding and challenging as any farther afield.  Nothing up to this date in 2016 has proved this assumption incorrect!  But that’s part of learning, right? To recognize that work and creativity can walk hand in hand in the most mundane of circumstances, the most homely of surroundings.

I have not mastered night photography....or the lowest notes of a saxophone....chipping onto a green....or growing orchids. I haven't read Paul Johnson's "Art" or plunked out a Scott Joplin Piano Rag(not too fast!), thrown a piece of pottery or successfully cast a fly. I cannot seem to remember the sails on a boat or ship nor the stars in common constellations. There are so many places to see...to read about....to understand. And there are gardens to plan and plant, an old house to treasure, a family full of energy, anecdotes, adventures, and minor miracles, and a husband and friend with whom to carom and careen through life....or rest, reminisce, and share.

I want to paint hay bales.....

...and circumnavigate our country...

http://www.wideopencountry.com/perfect-travel-route-across-us-according-science/

That's not all.....

As time wears on, Michelangelo's image of God bringing Adam to life holds a deeper meaning for me. I am still learning: still a student of what it means to be human and to aspire. Sixty is too old for lots of things...my eyes will keep me from hitting a fast ball; my knees from downhill skiing; my nerves from drinking coffee all night like I did when I was twenty. But God's word tells us it is never too late to seek His face, to walk His path, or to meditate on His word. Adam's finger reaches for the life giving hand of God, but it could as well be mine. Six, sixteen, sixty or beyond, we can never learn enough...

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