Wisdom

Blow the Horn…

I remember being instructed throughout childhood, “Do not be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.” In addition, I also recall a teacher I had in elementary school who would often encourage students to ask any question they might have, saying, “The only stupid questions are the ones not asked.” She would then go on to explain that typically, for every student that asks a question, there is at least one other student, if not more, who whether or not they have the same question, somehow stand to benefit from hearing the answer.

Chapter 18, verse 23 of the Book of Genesis reads:

Then Abraham drew nearer (to the Lord) and said:
“Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? 

Knowing the Lord intends to address the depravity and numerous wrongs being committed in Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham (having in mind his nephew, Lot, who resides in Sodom) asks this question and then follows it up with a couple more.

Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it?

Far be it from you to do such a thing, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike! Far be it from you! Should not the judge of all the world do what is just?” – Genesis 18:24-25

Despite being encouraged in my early years to ask away when questions would arise, Abraham’s questions to the Lord, and the manner in which he asks them, used to seem so bold, and almost out of line or disrespectful to me. Questions were to be asked, but not ones like these, and certainly not of God, or those ordained as chosen to serve God’s people.

Now older, such a notion seems so archaic to me as well as one of detriment. It is especially curious, given the fact that Scripture provides many examples of the faithful asking God similar types of questions, sometimes even telling God, “Here is what (or how) I need You to be in this situation.” Not only that, but God’s response is always one of compassion, love, and mercy, not one that is punitive or that takes offense.

The honesty with which Abraham, and others after him, communicate and relate
to God—their prayer—is answered.

Faithfulness begets faithfulness.

The Answer to Prayer – Luke 11:9-13

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?

Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

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I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.

Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called you answered me;
you built up strength within me.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,
and the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me;
against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand.

Your right hand saves me.
The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. – Psalm 138:1-3,6-8

Buck…

After a brief wait of silence and darkness, there it was—a buck. It entered into view, sauntered around, and then moved on, disappearing just as it had appeared. I quietly watched, in awe of its tranquil but purposeful movement and noticing its antlers. Perhaps this was the older version of the same buck that passed through a couple of months earlier. If so, my how it had grown in a relatively short period. Beyond its features, especially its antlers that were more pronounced, it seemed more sure-footed and astute in the way it carried itself.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the nighttime movement of a number of animals as captured by a family member’s trail camera. It has been both interesting and fascinating to observe the way these creatures move about, crossover, and pass through the yard and woods behind it. They appear uninhibited, but at the same time quiet, reserved, and respectful.

In the hours of the night and into the dawn, the environment not only holds peace, but also gives it. It is one with room for pensive pauses and calming paces. Sometimes, what the darkness of night offers can be encouraging and uplifting, just as much as that of day.

Strength and wisdom come, inner stillness enlightening each night and every day.

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A psalm of David.
LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

Whoever walks without blame,
doing what is right,
speaking truth from the heart;

Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor;
Who disdains the wicked,
but honors those who fear the LORD;
Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest,
accepts no bribe against the innocent.

Whoever acts like this
shall never be shaken. – Psalm 15

If You’re Going to Get Swept Away…

The waves of high tide were breaking as they continued their forward rush, splashing onto and washing over the steps and nearby rocks. Once there, they would lose steam and reverse direction. As they flowed back toward the sea in a more gentle way, just beyond, the next wave waited its turn to rush in, like the ones before it.

To watch the waves dance, and to listen to their song can be quite calming. To ride them, exhilarating, joyful, or perhaps unnerving depending on the day, the circumstances, or the conditions. Nonetheless, it is in experiencing the waves that we come to know them or to have a sense about them, and in doing so, see something about ourselves in the process. (There is always more than one side in learning.)

Just like waves, in the back and forth of life, it can be easy to get thrown around, washed away, or swept up based on experiences that may not be our own. While it can be helpful, at times, to hear an “expert’s” reporting, instinct and inner wisdom, are vital too.  Hildegard of Bingen wrote, “We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”

In chapter 16, verses 12-15, Jesus tells his disciples that they will be guided by the “Spirit of truth.” He does not say that they will be guided by Peter, John, or anyone else. This is not to say that they (as well as us) should not consult or listen to each other, but rather that the Wisdom of God seeks to make itself known to each individual, and that the Holy Spirit works to guide and lead us to what is wise—to what is truly best.

With so many voices in the world that look to grab and hold our attention, or to determine our choices, it is especially important to seek and to know, as well as to grow, the gifts given to each of us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you.” – John 16:12-15

When Boughs Break…

For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining, is to let it rain.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Throughout the past few days as I have been out and about, I have seen a great number of damaged trees from recent storms. Among many branches, there have been toppled trees, exposing the underside of the root systems that used to hold them upright. Then there have been trees leaning and resting upon the trunk or branches of a nearby tree. Finally, I have seen trees where the trunk simply snapped, leaving an inside view of what seems to be sturdy, living wood. Clearly, the root systems of these snapped trees were healthy; otherwise, the trees would have toppled.

However, even if a tree trunk is in perfect health, its root system is top notch, and the ground around it is not over-saturated, it can still withstand only so much force before succumbing to it. In fact, scientific studies have shown that once wind gusts reach 94 miles per hour, healthy trees with good ground conditions begin to snap and/or topple. Now, thankfully, the storms that blew through the area I live in did not have wind gusts that high. For these snapped trees, it is likely that there was some sort of imperfection, even if slight, causing weakness in their trunks. With time, culminating with the recent storms, it led to their downfall—through no fault of their own.

Taking in the view of these fallen trees, I cannot help but think that there is so much more to them than wood on the ground. At times it can be tempting to think that strong, healthy roots—a strong foundation—is the cure all. However, these broken trees are a good reminder that very few things are set in stone; also that black and white always make a shade of gray, whether we like it or not.

It is not very different with faith. There is so much more to it than any formula could ever capture. Whether high up in the sky or on the ground, there is always so much more than what meets the eye.

I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts;
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives
how to know the LORD.
All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD,
for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

– Jeremiah 31:33-34

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And, the Sun…

Amongst the many voices and other various noises as the events of a day unfold, reside the quieter, more subtle, sometimes missed happenings. Whether during celebratory or somber times, there are signs… gifts… blessings ever-present. It is as if they are there to acknowledge, “Yes, that…, but also this.” Perhaps they are there to help one remember, or to consider, all that is true in any given moment. It seems at every turn, there is opportunity to receive peace, strength, wisdom, joy… whatever grace may be needed or may be of benefit to those present, close by, and even far away.

Oftentimes, there is so much more than what may be immediately in front of us, or surrounding us. Yet, it can be easy to forget that. Even worse, it can be easy to become focused on a single piece or a fraction of the whole and to exclude the picture in its entirety from consideration.

We must remember, it is not only the sun that rises and sets, but also the moon. Together, they help to make the day complete.

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Walk This Way…

One of my favorite memories of my father is how occasionally, if we were walking somewhere, he would move a little close and gently say, “Carissa, walk this way.” Then he would put his arm around my shoulder, and with a smile on his face, he would change the direction or the gait of his walk. This would not happen frequently, but when it did, I would follow along, also with a smile on my face as we took a new path or walked in a different way.

Today, this memory also brought to mind the way that setting out on a new path can be inspiring and uplifting. There can be a sense of adventure, energy, and excitement in going where one has not gone before, or going a different way than in the past. However, often in the world, there can be preconceived notions or fixed ideas on what “the way” is or what it needs to be. These can make pursuing what is new or different less appealing or intimidating among other things.

As one goes along, it can be challenging to figure out how much weight to place, if any, on expectations or ideas originating outside of us, or even within. Despite this, each of us is created to walk not as the world would have us walk, but to walk as one’s soul longs to walk. While examining our thoughts and opinions as well as those of others can be helpful, ultimately, it is best to prayerfully consider them alongside seeking the Truth. We all have Wisdom with us; waiting… wanting to guide us toward what is truly good, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of those around us as well.

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The Flock…

As I gazed out across the quiet, mostly still water, there were a number of Canadian geese slowly making their way to the other side of the pond. They appeared to be in a sort of formation. It was one that could be labeled more interesting or captivating than their typical landside behavior and the annoyance caused by the parting “gifts” they often leave behind.

Although the geese were not in a straight line, they were all pretty much in a row. They were moving together, eventually all in the same direction and with a similar, if not the same, purpose. They were united, even if only by the species to which they belong; not all that different than any other species.

Oftentimes amidst disagreement or unrest, it may seem that all we have is the knowledge that we are the same, but also simultaneously not the same.

When at an impasse, it can be tempting to throw up one’s hands and not only walk away, but also to stay away. While sometimes, this is necessary and perhaps truly for the best, Jesus cautions his disciples not to do so too easily or too quickly. For even in weighing the pros and cons and allowing them to inform and guide decisions, the heart—in all its depth, and holding knowledge of a different kind—can be left behind or squeezed out.

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If your brother sins against you,
go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.
If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
If he does not listen,
take one or two others along with you,
so that ‘every fact may be established
on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.
If he refuses to listen even to the church,
then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
Amen, I say to you,
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Again, amen, I say to you,
if two of you agree on earth
about anything for which they are to pray,
it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:15-20

We are to help each other to stay true… to stay in formation—connected—so that we do not get lost and so that the equation does not leave cunning intellect and surface emotions to dominate and direct rather than Wisdom.

In the final analysis, I believe in man, in spite of men – Elie Wiesel

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All is Grace…

There is so much that goes on in the world and in each of our lives that sometimes it can be hard to sift through it all. Situations, people and things can become lumped together, making it difficult to see clearly or to have a good sense of what is authentic, and what is not. Without that, finding a grain(s) of value in the midst of it all, is nearly impossible.

More often than not though, and yes, even in a dense fog or in the darkness of night, there is something to be gained. Like a lost gem waiting to be discovered, there is often wisdom to be found in all things, even in what might seem like drama or nonsense.

Oftentimes, it can be very appealing, and perhaps all too easy to walk away or quickly discount that which one does not understand. However, what seems more important is doing so for reasons that are true and pure.

How does one know when to walk away?

Seek Wisdom (Sophia) first, and she will lead the way. Wisdom tells me that wherever I am at any particular moment, that is the place and time that God has anointed for me to be there. It is a place for me to encounter, as well as to be, the face of Grace. Each moment and each situation in my life, in each of our lives, has something sacred in store for us. It is as if we are constantly on the brink of greatness; a greatness that extends beyond this world.

Desire therefore my words;
long for them and you will be instructed.

Resplendent and unfading is Wisdom,
and she is readily perceived by those who love her,
and found by those who seek her.

She hastens to make herself known to those who desire her;
one who watches for her at dawn will not be disappointed,
for she will be found sitting at the gate.

For setting your heart on her is the perfection of prudence,
and whoever keeps vigil for her is quickly free from care;
Because she makes her rounds, seeking those worthy of her,
and graciously appears to them on the way,
and goes to meet them with full attention.

For the first step toward Wisdom is an earnest desire for discipline;
then, care for discipline is love of her;
love means the keeping of her laws;
To observe her laws is the basis for incorruptibility;
and incorruptibility makes one close to God;
thus the desire for Wisdom leads to a kingdom.  (Wisdom 6:11-20)

By the grace of God, we are where we are meant to be, at this particular point in time. Through Wisdom, we can see, everything is Grace.

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In word: “Everything is a grace because everything is God’s gift. Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events—to the heart that loves, all is well.” – St. Therese of Lisieux.

In song: “Everything Is Grace” by Matt Maher.