Wisdom vs. Being Smart

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. -Ecclesiastes 2:11

As I was doing my daily conversation with God and his word this morning, the focus was wisdom. I clicked on the additional reading link and came across the passage that you see above. The additional reading was actually the entire chapter, and I read it (smile) but this is what stood out to me...

I have been involved in a lot of different activities in my life. I became an AKA because I had hoped to make an even more profound difference in the lives of others. I became a teacher because I wanted to help shape the future of our children. I got involved with several different community organizations, to simply give back a portion of what was given to me. Joined every ministry at church because I felt I was getting closer to God and the list goes on and on. There were times when I felt, "Why am I doing this?" I would convince myself that it was my destiny.

At 28, I am just now realizing I cannot do it all. It was bound to happen. One organization suffers at the expense of another. Word. I cannot do it all. Imagine that? I always thought I was super woman. I'll do it was always the first thing that came out of my mouth. As this school year comes to a close, I can see myself closing the door behind me softly on life as I have known it. Many years ago, my mom told me the story of Solomon. How he had asked for wisdom over silver and gold. As a result, God granted him wisdom and riches. I began to make that same request of God. You know what I call the OVER ARCHING type of prayer. No need to pray for money, because with wisdom... I can get it. No need to pray for a husband... with wisdom I can get it. I have learned that wisdom unfortunately has a price, but I am willing to pay it.

Check this out... Being smart is having the ability to do something well, perhaps even effectively. Being wise at times requires us to live an experience and AFTER we have gone through it we learn something. Being smart is often pain free. While being wise is at times painful. When I think about one of my friends growing up, she wasn't the smartest kid on the block, but she had what my mom would say, "a lot of sense." If I had to trade straight A's in an honors courseload, or wisdom... I would go for what I believe could take me farther WISDOM everything else is futile.

Why is it hard at times to appreciate all the Lord has done for us?

Hey all:

I know it has been a minute since I last posted but I came across this question in my morning devotional which can be found at www.crosswalk.com. The devotion actually dealt with making it a point to create traditions within your family of opportunities to praise God for his faithfulness. But this question began to make me think outside that particular realm, because I think that we are all guilty of this.

Consider the relationship that has just ended... the one you gave your heart to, "the one" think of the raw emotions that existed after that break up. How could you? What did I do? What can I do now? To...just wait, you'll get yours (thin line between love and hate) Do we ever reflect in the moment? Do we ever say, thank you God for allowing me to love someone and for however long or briefly to feel that in return? Do we ever consider the lesson that the other person was sent from God to teach? Perhaps it was the way you should be treated. (They may emulate that or be the opposite) Only to have you set standards. Maybe it was to mirror your flaws. What you despise in yourself, you hate 10x more in someone else. Think about it.

What about when you were planning to go to college and things didn't fall into place. Financial Aid hassle (HBCU or PWI the struggle is still the same), plan ticket cost too high? Or just no money right now to make it happen? What did you do then? Did you wallow in not going to your first choice? Or did GOD open your eyes to seeing opportunities all around you?

As a teacher, I see even more the importance of the relationships that students have with parents. So many of my students are needy. Girls just as much as boys, but sometimes the boys seem EXTRA needy. It becomes apparent quickly that these kids don't necessarily have anyone in their corner. Many have material things but no guidance. It is in those moments that I thank GOD for the parents I have. My mom kept me grounded spiritually and she has always been my greatest cheerleader. My dad with all his faults helped me build a Teflon shell around myself that at times is a hindrance but has also worked for the good.

I could go on and on, but a blog can only be so long. The intent of this particular entry was not to preach, but to make you think. That blue funk can't last always. I have had it...you probably have too! But when I think about all the mercies that were shown to me... all I can say is Thank you.