Life Lessons WE Need To Know

Hello weekend readers. My musing today is about Wisdom. I have been reading Horace Jackson Brown Jr’s book “Live and Learn and Pass It On.” He was an American author who was best known for his inspirational books. Sadly, he died in 2021 but his books continue to be read throughout the world. He recounted some of the life lessons people of different ages said they’d learned. Here are a few he collected and the ages of the people who shared them:

  • Lending money to friends and relatives causes them to get amnesia. (32)
  • You should always put on a new bathing suit and get it wet before wearing it in public. (21)
  • No situation is so bad that losing your temper won’t make it worse. (41)
  • You shouldn’t leave your fork on the plate when you reheat food in the microwave. (13)
  • When you’re too busy for friends, you’re too busy. (48)
  • Life is like a 10-speed bicycle—most of us have gears we never use. (59)
  • When parents say, “It doesn’t matter what we think—you are the one dating him,” it’s usually that the parents can’t stand the guy! (24)
  • Keep your words soft and tender because tomorrow you may have to eat them. (38)
  • The more mistakes you make, the smarter you get. (13)
  • If you are still talking about what you did yesterday, you haven’t done much today. (21)

What is Wisdom? Scripture teaches that wisdom is not innate; it must be pursued. The absolute starting point is what the Bible calls the “fear of the Lord” from Proverbs 9:10.

After reading this, I thought that one of the remarkable benefits of getting older is that we have many life lessons like the ones above that we can share with others—and that’s exactly why in cultures around the world, gray hair is indicative of  Wisdom! Now that makes me happy because when we get old our hair becomes gray and we wish that they were not gray! And, of course, trying to get the right colors often doesn’t work with gray hair—yikes!!

In Job 32:7-10, from the Message Translation, Elihu, son of Barakel the Buzite, said: “I’m a young man, and you are all old and experienced. That’s why I kept quiet and held back from joining the discussion. I kept thinking, “Experience will tell. The longer you live, the wiser you become.”  But I see I was wrong—it’s God’s Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible. The experts have no corner on wisdom; getting old doesn’t guarantee good sense. So, I’ve decided to speak up. Listen well! I’m going to tell you exactly what I think.”

So, take some time and think about Wisdom and how important it is. Then, as you reflect upon your life, think of the life lessons that come to your mind. In fact, make a list of them so you can share them with others.

When you allow your experiences to be teachable lessons for others, you’ll breathe life into their relationship with God and God will continue to teach you. Continue to make a daily prayer-time and welcome the Lord into your prayers and thoughts. Keep your mind working because there is so much to continue to learn! Reach out to the Holy Spirit, the mothering side of God. She will indeed keep up your Wisdom and the life lessons you need! AMEN.