Last week I sat with Wisdom. I wish you could have pulled up a chair.I was in Colorado, the first part of a three-leg tour that included visits with church planters in Long Beach and Las Vegas.
My Colorado friends are an interesting duo. They are mature men. Both have been married over forty years. They are savvy businessmen. They are world travelers. Best of all they love Jesus and they love life.
As we sat at the kitchen counter, I posed one simple question: "Tell me about your defining moments?" Then I sat back to listen. WHY didn't I bring my tape recorder?
They shared highs and they shared lows. They talked about hitting the wall and how God pulled them through. They talked about the important role drudgery plays in life. They talked about marriage, perseverance, and teamwork. It was as if I had opened a treasure chest of wisdom and was running my hand through its shiny coins.
I am a week removed from that conversation and after a couple of days soaking up their insights, a few things stand out:
1. Happiness does not come by shaking the money tree. 2. Good marriages get better with time. 3. Perseverance pays off. You can and you must bounce back from adversity. 4. There is more joy in giving than receiving. 5. You don't get a ten-year friend overnight, but over ten years. Make the investment. 6. Your effectiveness hinges on the quality of the team around you. Grow a strong team! 7. Christ makes the difference in marriage, in business, and in life!
I thought God had me in Colorado to meet with another church about church planting. I did do that, but now I know the real reason for two days in the Rockies was to soak up some wisdom. Speaking of wisdom, Solomon writes:
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: "To you, O men, I call and my cry is to the children of man....Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her....Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; and my yield than choice silver.(Proverbs 8:1-4, 10-11, 18-19 ESV)
God makes it clear that wisdom is always crying out. For my part, I know I would have been a poorer man if I had not stopped to listen.
STAY FOCUSED TODAY: Wisdom is calling out. Listen up!