In Pursuit Of Wisdom
I have spent a lot of my life in reflection. In fact, one of my favorite quotes is from Socrates: “… an unexamined life is not worth living.” Reflection is something that was developed in me early as a child, and I think I came by it honestly. Literally, one of my mom’s constant directions to my sister, brother and me was “think about that.” I can’t speak for them but I usually took that direction! After my mom gave me time to think about things, we always had a thoughtful discussion. Sometimes the discussion was way too long, but helpful nonetheless. As I grew older, reflection led me to the practice of journaling – my companion now in thought and conversation with God.
This practice became very strong in my life as I began teaching. Barely 23 years old, I entered a classroom for the first time with 34 sixth-graders given to my care. I really felt as though my college classes and student teaching had prepared me well to teach these children science, reading, spelling and social studies; but I quickly learned I was not well-prepared to be with these children in their everyday struggles and all that would entail.
No class taught me how to be with a young girl of 11 whose mom was dying of cancer ,and had taken on the role of caregiver for her younger brother and sisters so her dad could continue to work.
What do I say to the little girl whose sister was killed in an auto accident and continually asks why?
How do I soothe the young boy who wants to stay in from recess every day because he is always ignored and excluded?
I often sought out my principal, Sister Martina Casey, OSU, who was always willing to listen to the challenges that confronted me and give direction. In our conversations, she made me realize that there were going to be situations in my life that I would not be able to deal with on my own – and that she would not always be there to provide good counsel. She acknowledged that both of these things would, in fact, be true, so she advised that I “ask God for the gift of wisdom.” I did just that; so began my pursuit of wisdom. Sister Martina was my first encounter with someone who was unquestionably rich in spiritual wisdom; but in God’s great kindness, she was not the last. It seemed throughout my life that, when I was faced with extraordinary circumstances, spiritual companions made their presence known to me. In naming them – Rita, Diane, Ed, Geraldine, Karen, Katie and Jane – I honor them for their faithfulness in their pursuit of the Holy One and their willingness to serve as gracious guides for others. My journaling then and now still concludes with the humble request for God’s wisdom and guidance in all matters.
Sophia, (Greek name for wisdom) is available to us all. We, just as Solomon in the Book of Chronicles, are asked by the Holy One, “What is your heart’s desire?” Solomon asks for wisdom, and in doing so everything else is granted to him. Solomon in his humility understood that he would need God’s assistance in order to achieve what God had set before him. Solomon did not want to be in the absence of God’s wisdom and guidance knowing the challenges that may come to press upon him.
Today, have we mistakenly fallen into the false belief that we are alone and left to face life challenges without God’s assistance? I urge you to ask for the gift of wisdom for, “In her company all good things came to me, at her hands riches not to be numbered. I determined to take her to share my life, knowing she would be my counselor in prosperity, my comfort in cares and sorrow” (Wisdom 7: 11, 8: 9). My prayer is that you are gifted with companions that accompany you and lead you in the way of reflection and wisdom!
