Got wisdom?

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt… James 1:5-6

What do weddings, graduations, new jobs or assignments, starting high school, or college have to do with a commercial for Milk?

The milk marketing board reminds us, with the pithy question “Got milk?”, that too often we forget an important dimension of a balanced nutritious diet. Focusing on the immediacy of taste and texture, we tend to forget the importance of a meal that also includes calcium, vitamin D and the other good things.

“Got wisdom?” asks the same thing about life.

This time of year in particular is filled with celebrations. Transitions in life that, while exciting and joyful, need also to be reminded of that extra “dimension” to be “balanced and nutritious” for the long haul.

So where do we “get” wisdom? Does it lie in the accumulation of credit hours; degrees, years, experience? 

Perhaps wisdom lies in “knowing what we do not know” as much as it does in knowing what we know we know. Francis Bacon suggests that: “A prudent question is one half of wisdom.”  Being able to marvel at what is “known” and also be inquisitively humble in the presence of what is not brings energy and awe to our lives.

Scripture reminds us that: Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored. Prov 15:33

A daily prayer is for wisdom to inform our steps and guide our ways. We have a sacred trust that we experience intensely each day as we look into the eyes of those seeking help, looking for hope and healing. Got wisdom?

Much more than medicine indeed!

Peter

Peter Bath, D.Min.
V.P Spiritual Wellness & Human Development
Shawnee Mission Medical Center