I just returned home from a much needed vacation with my family. We headed to southeast Arkansas to visit family and friends and boy, was it a great time.
It always seems to be.
We took the kids exploring one day at a nature center. They had a cool gift shop inside that featured all kinds of stuff from around the state or things that represented the state.
I happened upon some stone carvings of ‘critters’ that day. Different animals from around Arkansas. I saw several I liked and thought I’d pick one out for my office. They had some cool looking frogs and squirrels, even an alligator, and a nice looking eagle. I like to pick things that kinda represent me and who I am, so I naturally was in the midst of some deep self-psychoanalysis while trying to pick out the perfect one!
I couldn’t decide. So, I thought it would be best to let my oldest daughter pick one out for me. I told myself I would keep whichever she picked out, no matter what.
I said, “Kaylea, I want you to pick out one of these carvings that you think best represents me.”
“That’s easy,” she said. And she promptly picked up the owl and handed it to me.
“Why did you pick the owl,” I asked?
“Because your wise,” and she went about her merry way.
Wow. I was struck and even moved. My young teenage daughter thinks I’m wise.
Two days later, I found myself at the apartment of my twenty-two year old nephew. It was his birthday, and a celebration was at hand. His friends and some of the family showed up for a great time with barbecue and all the fixings.
I found myself sitting by the pool, just the both of us. The discussion went deep for quite a while. We spoke some about his relationship with his girlfriend, where he was in life, and much about how things where going at work. It was an engaging adult conversation. At one point I asked myself, “What happened to the six-year old, cotton-topped kid I used to know? Now he’s asking me about life, and work.”
It was wisdom he sought. At some point in our adult lives, we all want a piece of it. We seek out those who seem to have it. I don’t claim to be the wisest of people, but I do trust that God has given me a particular level of wisdom. Some of that does come with age and maturity, some is just out-right common sense. And a lot of people don’t like to use any of that.
But most like to hear from people who do. They know that sense will somehow guide them towards making the right decision. Perhaps it will keep them from a great deal of harm or heartache.
Wisdom is a great gift. It’s one to be used. If not, it will wither up and die. Don’t hesitate to share what bit of it, or what great expanse of it God has granted you. It’s there to share with so many searching for it. It serves no purpose for yourself and yourself only.
I kinda liked the frog that day. It looked relaxed and cool. The eagle looked in charge and sturdy. I kinda wanted it too. But I have an owl sitting on my shelf above a lot of books I’ve read over the years to help develop in me what it represents.
Here’s to being wise!
