Wisdom Earned

Wisdom cannot be found lying about like so many pennies and dimes.  It will not attach itself to you, and comes not by accident.  It is not easily gained, but is worth the time and expense to acquire it.  Wisdom's payoff is most obvious when mistakes are not repeated, goals are set and met, and our tongue speaks blessings. Wisdom is not intelligence, but points to it.  Intelligence is not wisdom, but is pointless without it.

I don't believe that I am so different from folks in my age demographic.  I can look back upon my life and trace the roots and growth of my own wisdom.  It's often a humorous exercise as I marvel at the ignorance of my youth, and am yet standing today!  Surely this is the definitive in the proof of God's existence.  Without Him I am quite sure things would have turned out differently for me.

Wisdom put to use recently, I was engaged in a conversation with one of my coaching clients when the thought crossed my mind to expound more on a speech she was to give.  There were some tweaks which would have improved the text, and maybe added a laugh to move the speech along at a better pace.  But her confidence level going into the performance of her speech was not so much solid as fluid.  Wisdom dictated that I refrain from too much advice, and instead encourage.  She 'blue-ribboned' in her Toastmasters club, and when she said, "I couldn't have done it without you," wisdom was vindicated.

The path along which wisdom comes our way is winding, hilly, and laden with exposed roots, loose stones, and low hanging branches - all of which requires our attention.  We can navigate the path oblivious to the obstacles, stumbling as we go, but then they will remain obstacles in place for our next jaunt down this particular path.  It is when the obstacles are seen for what they truly are - opportunities - that wisdom becomes a companion, growing within us and enriching the experience of the journey.

If time permits, take a meditative pause in your busy day to reflect on activities, relationships, work, or other life experiences which have been enhanced through your accumulated wisdom.  Then smile.  You are progressing, getting better everyday, and earning the wisdom found in a life well-lived.

Fearlessly,
JD

Always Be Both

Plato was both, as was the Apostle Paul, and these are but the most famous.  Each of these men was mentored, and gave of their time to be a mentor themselves.  It is vitally important that we endeavor to be both mentee and mentor.

I suggest mentee first because we don’t know what we don’t know until we come across someone who, in fact, does know.  While we may think we have all the answers, it will become apparent when we begin the quest for our mentor that there are yet questions we have never contemplated.

Plato was mentored by Socrates and he, in turn, mentored Aristotle.  The Apostle Paul was most famously mentored by Jesus of Nazareth and then he mentored Timothy.  The impact of these relationships in thought and belief has resonated and echoed through the centuries.

The impact of greater eternal significance is, of course, held by Paul who was miraculously discipled by Jesus, the acclaimed Son of God.  You may disagree on this point as that is your option, but nevertheless the impartation of wisdom was advanced in world-altering ways.  It is the attainment of wisdom we must earnestly pursue, and then a willingness to share our discoveries.

Have you a mentor?  I have been blessed to receive mentoring from close friends, business associates, fellow speakers, and even thought leaders whom I have never personally met (Jim Rohn, who passed away in 2011).  I routinely call upon them for advice and wisdom as to how they conduct their affairs, manage their time, and live the life they purpose to live.

Making myself available to others, being a mentor, is likewise fulfilling, but also educational.  Two things must run concurrently in our lives:  Learning and Breathing.  They should continue together until our breathing gives way to eternity.

To the extent possible we must make every effort to be both mentee and mentor while learning and breathing are operable.  Find that person or those individuals who have been where you seek to go and learn all you can about how best to prosecute this life.  But also be open to the addition in your life of people who wish the same from you.

Always be both, and marvel at the enriching impact your life will have.

Fearlessly,

JD