My Christmas wish list
November 14, 2008 | Knowing Christ
I need a new pair of tennies. The ones I’m wearing look like Grandma shoes. I bought them in a moment of weakness at Wal Mart. They are comfy, but ugly, and I would like to be fit and a fashionista! How’s that for a shallow admission?
But other than that, my Christmas list is short. I wish for something that Solomon, the richest man in the world, requested from God.
I want wisdom. Buckets of it. Overflowing. Spilling over. Deep recesseses of God’s insight.
Why? Because “wisdom is from above” (James 3:17) and it is the opposite of jealousy and disorder and selfish ambitions (3:16). It is peace loving and willing to yield to others, and full of mercy and good deeds. It is sincere (3:17-18).
Solomon turned down a wish list that contained riches and relationships and all the cool stuff he could ever imagine and put his index finger on the word “wisdom”, saying “I choose this”.
Last week a casual remark from someone I care about felt like a jab. I’ve put that stupid thing down a hundred times, saying, “not really important” or “why is this bothering me so much?” but I keep picking it back up.
Chances are that this person had no idea it hurt. It was said without thinking. So why am I polishing it in a corner of my heart, letting it fester, and spending time and energy on it that could be dedicated to some really great thoughts or actions?
Hmm.
Wisdom is full of mercy. (James 3:17)
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? (James 4:1)
Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. (James 4:2)
Today I shamelessly ask for wisdom, the ability to see what is important, Father. Your heart of grace. Thank you for my friends, my family, and the normalcy of those relationships that offer room for mistakes and oversights, because I’ve done it too.
So, tennies (and maybe a new warm coat) with a healthy dose of wisdom. That’s my Christmas wish list…
Suzie
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How wonderfully transparent! My kinda gal! I know how you feel when something just seems to stick to us. Ask God if there’s something He’s trying to show you through this comment. Maybe that’s why it’s bothering you so much. (Not that the comment was true but maybe that there’s a lesson to be learned somehow in the situation.) Or maybe not? LoL Just a suggestion.
I pray God blesses you with loads of wisdom, understanding, courage, and discernment! (And me too…hehehe)
Having said that, upon hearing you speak and reading words you’ve written, it seems you have already been blessed with much wisdom and insight. You are a mighty fountain blessing, encouraging, and edifying women all the time!
Thank you for that!!!
November 15th, 2008 at 11:15 amI love this, Suz.
In my passionate life speech, I give examples of the giants that stand in our way of being that passionate person God wants us to be, and one of them is “holding on” to words spoken by another person (the “jab”). The old saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” is absolutely, positively false.
Words do hurt. They destroy reputations, they wound the heart, and they “kill” friendships.
Only God can make the “words” become like a breeze that passes through: not sticking, not destroying, and not festering.
From one tender-hearted sister to another…
HUGS!
November 16th, 2008 at 2:36 amThanks for this Suzie, I love your statements “I’ve put that stupid thing down a hundred times, saying, “not really important” or “why is this bothering me so much?” but I keep picking it back up.
Chances are that this person had no idea it hurt. It was said without thinking. So why am I polishing it in a corner of my heart, letting it fester, and spending time and energy on it that could be dedicated to some really great thoughts or actions?”
Because I am guilty of “polishing something in the corner of my heart” too and I love how you phrased it. Thank you for giving me the kick to realize that it is taking energy that could be used in so many better ways. I need to put it down and put it in the past. Thank you for your openness and wisdom.
November 17th, 2008 at 7:25 pmYes, wisdom is definitely the must-have gift this Christmas season. And best of all, it’s just the right size and always in fashion!
I look at you and the words you write…through them I see wisdom. You have way more of it than you realize!
Blessings,
November 18th, 2008 at 12:08 amKelli