Wednesday, August 30, 2017

                “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding…” (Proverbs 3:13)

                As the NASA satellite Cassini crashes into Saturn this week (why must we spread our garbage to other planets?), Susan reminded me that our oldest son, Nicholas, did a Grade 2 project on Cassini when it launched from earth in 1997.  Nick’s oldest, William, enters Junior Kindergarten this Fall. I wonder what wondrous things he will learn as he begins his long trek through school.

The only space I was interested in when I was in grade two was the space between my ears. It boggles my mind what they learn so early nowadays.

Did you enjoy your years in school? I was okay with elementary school. But I hated a high school. Peer pressure. Gym classes. Homework. Gym classes.  Mathematics.  French. Gym classes. Exams. We had to take Latin for three years. I enjoyed English and History. That was about it. And Music wasn’t bad. But as for the rest of it, it was five long, torturous years, but I made it.

Did I mention gym classes? For the life of me, even to this day, the gym curriculum baffles me – wrestling, gymnastics, track and field, rope climbing. “You want me to take this long pole, run as fast as as I can and stick the end into that tiny little hole and do what?!!!”  Teach me something that I might actually use for exercise when I am out in the real world.

I didn’t enjoy learning until I got to university. Then I thrived and hungered for knowledge, understanding, information, ideas, concepts, philosophies, and I enjoyed having the freedom to learn and study subjects that interested me and captured my imagination.

Having facts, figures, information, or even knowledge doesn’t necessarily give us wisdom. Like Linus once said in a Peanuts cartoon, “I am never so stupid as when I trying to be smart.” There is, ironically, wisdom in that statement.

The book of Proverbs gives a lot of space to the concept of wisdom. It is an integral part of Creation, very near to the heart, mind and spirit of God, himself. But it is not so heavenly bound so as to be no earthly good. Quite the opposite. Wisdom is a gracious gift given to us for “sound judgment and discretion” (Proverbs 3:21). Wisdom leads us along straight paths and leads to good, sound, upright living. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you,” (Proverbs 4: 11)

The opposite of wisdom seems to be foolishness. “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom,” (Proverbs 10:23). The foolish seem inclined to pride, insincerity, immorality, hatred, smugness, mockery, idleness and ignorant talk. “The folly of fools is deception,” (Proverbs 14:8).

A wise person knows when to speak and when to be quiet. It leads to patience, humility, fulfilment, joy, well-being (shalom), and possibility.

“Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off,” (Proverbs 24;14).

Wisdom probably cannot be taught in a classroom.  It comes from experience, having an open mind and heart, being vulnerable to correction, being able to grow, being imaginative, being flexible and willing to change as the world changes around us. None of us should ever stop learning, to contemplate the world around us, to explore new ideas, to gain insight, understanding, and then to deepen our consideration and expression of love, grace and mercy in a hurting world. Wisdom is about making a critical difference.

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16).

Why didn’t they teach that in gym class?

Dale

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

And I’m back… 

This week our one-year old grandson, Spencer, began (reluctantly) his first days at day care. He has just begun walking. Katie, his mother, posted a Facebook photo of him on his first day. Fresh hair cut, new clothes, his own little backpack. Adorable! What else is a doting grandfather going to say?

But the look on his face was priceless. No smile, a grim look as if saying, “What do you mean I have to do this for the next 18 years of my life!” Sorry kid, but welcome to September, the beginning of the school year.

I can remember those first few days of school when I was going to elementary or high school. New teachers, shiny new textbooks, new blank notebooks and new unused lined paper. This year, I would say as I began, I am going to keep my notebooks neat, tidy and up to date. I am going to do my homework every night. I am going to get my projects in on time. I am going to work hard and apply myself, and get straight A’s in all my subjects. You’re looking at the poster boy for good student of the year award.

Yeah, right! 

It was the same during my years in pastoral ministry.  I eagerly anticipated what to me was the real start of a new church year - in September. Programs would start up again along with choir, Sunday school, and small groups. Maybe there would be a new idea or two that I wanted try. Worship services got back to normal after everyone’s summer vacation.  But sometimes the issue was that few others shared my enthusiasm for September and it was often after Thanksgiving before anything really got going. By then, my initial gusto was fading fast.

Now that I am in retirement, I kind of miss that rush of starting something new and fresh in September. Maybe if I go and lie down I’ll get over it. I am sure that Susan has all sorts of suggestions. No problem - I will get right to it - after Thanksgiving.

Beginnings are important.

Beginnings bring order and life out of chaos. “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth…” (Genesis 1:1).

Beginnings signal hope and good news.  “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and lived among us…” (John 1: 1, 14)

Beginnings expect the best from us, even if we sometimes may fail. “For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another,” (1 John 3: 11).

It is more difficult to end well if we don’t try to begin well. “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; the patient in spirit are better than the proud in spirit,” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

I don’t think that it is ever too late to begin again or that one is ever too old to begin some new aspect of life, growth, resolve, or endeavour. This may be one of the characteristics of being “born again”. Beginnings are the initiatives to put the old behind us and embrace the new life that God offers. New beginnings are having the ability to open a door to new possibilities and to own a future that holds out the prospect of blessing and well-being. As the old Chinese proverb goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first steps.

Happy September!

Dale