Wise Cracker?

If you asked me the one thing I covet, I would have to say it is wisdom. Now if you asked me my definition of wisdom, it would be totally different from what it would have been a few years ago.

I always loved the stories of Solomon. Of all the Old Testament figures, I think he was the most interesting. After his father, King David, died, God more or less asked him what he desired. His response was wisdom and God granted it. As a child, my favorite story was about two new mothers fighting over a sole surviving infant. Solomon, in all authority, offers the child to be split in two, a supposed means to satisfy them both. He knows the child is safe, in that the real mother would give the child up before she would see it slain. Now that was savvy!

So wisdom has also been my prayer. In the beginning, I think I desired it for the ability to see beyond the struggles and dilemmas of my youth. As an adult, I pictured myself as one day being the benevolent,gray haired,little old lady rocking on her porch, friends and family flocking to her, seeking her sage advice on matters of life and God.

But I am beginning to see there are different shades of sage. Wisdom most often comes in the ability to "unpack" life. To search the memories of adolescence, seeing the hurt you carry were as much a result of your actions as the "bad guy" who wronged you. It is growing into adulthood, realizing the thing you teased your mother about is happening to you; feeling somewhat ashamed for the snide comments you and your siblings made behind her back. Remembering what it felt like to be in love and newly married - when all you saw was a new house and never yourself at 50+ paying off a 30 year note. And as in the case of my friend, Solomon, I think it was seeing with your heart. To see the fear and anguish a new mom suffered in light of losing her child. But just as wisely seeing the blind grief and anger of another mom who had already lost hers.

Wisdom is remembering, or if that word is not exactly accurate, then maybe imagining. To see the person not from the eyes of age or experience or even wisdom. But to see the person where they live, as they are. In the skin they are in. To revel in their passions, righteous or reckless. To cry with their sorrows, major or insignificant. To be accepting of their decisions, wild or prudent.

But most of all to thank God that we do not live in sameness. Whether that be age, maturity, or culture. That we are all different and that is a result of His very wise plan. Whether it be by hook or crook, we are not the same and by God, literally, that is a great thing.