I am fortunate. I have a wide range of teachers and mentors in my life. They are often bold! They give me instruction when I am not sure I want it. They confront me, mentoring when I think things are ok. They shake me out of my comfort zone, especially when I have sunk to far into peace. Their disruptions always move me towards something better. As much as I rebel, I find myself looking forward to the next point where our lives intersect.
As I reflect on their strengths, it is interesting to note that they share several common traits. One of them is their ability to learn and draw from unusual sources. One friend describes his city as a “bad girlfriend –stunningly beautiful, but abusive. You can’t take her anymore, but you just can’t leave her”. I was caught by his words and the truth embedded within them. I know this girl well. We have walked for a long time together. I have the scars within to show for it. Yet, I have learned much from the journey. I am richer for the experience. I can see life more clearly because of my teacher and friend.
As I read about the journey and interaction of others, I find that wise men and woman across the ages have listened to life and all its sources. In contrast to the norm, their record of being open to life’s voice is a lesson in itself. “One day, on our way to the place of prayer, a slave girl ran into us. She was a psychic and, with her fortunetelling, made a lot of money for the people who owned her.” (Acts 16.16)
Our lives are filled with wisdom sources. I find that God uses every means possible to have a conversation with us. The wisdom teachers in my life are listening to many that I traditionally ignore. Today is a window filled with opportunities for you and me to hear God’s voice. Wisdom is looking to walk with us. It is a gift requiring our “yes”.
