I am the first to admit that I don’t like to be told what to do. I can get rather defensive and crabby in response to someone’s sage advise that I didn’t want to hear. My first reaction is usually fear followed by feeling insecure. It is easy to see others advise as my own inadequacy. I have to remind myself that is not the intent. I know they are looking out for my best interest. I know they are trying to help me be a better person.
I may have children who are much the same way, and I have noticed this a lot with my son lately. His tone is terse as soon as I try to say anything to him. I don’t know anything. He doesn’t see all the growing he still has to do, but I do. I see that he is smart and compassionate. I also see some youthful ignorance. I see his potential. As his mom, I will do everything I can to help him reach that potential.
I think God sees me the same way. He sees that I am smart and compassionate, and my less than youthful ignorance. He is doing everything He can to help me reach my potential. The question is am I listening to the sage advise of the Master Teacher?
Listen carefully to my wisdom;
take to heart what I can teach you.
You’ll treasure its sweetness deep within;
you’ll give it bold expression in your speech.
To make sure your foundation is trust in God,
I’m laying it all out right now just for you.
I’m giving you thirty sterling principles—
tested guidelines to live by.
Believe me—these are truths that work,
and will keep you accountable
to those who sent you. (Proverbs 22:17-21 MSG).
God desires to guide and mold me into the best possible version of His creation. He does so with incredible patience, wisdom, and care. Yet, there are times when I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want to change. I don’t want to be more emotionally strong, or care that deeply for someone else’s hurts. God never backs away. He never stops molding and guiding. He patiently waits for my eyes to be opened and my heart to grow.
The trials of parenting has taught me a lot about God’s love and desires for me. It has also taught me to be more patient with children who don’t want my sage advise.
As the year begins how are you doing at listening to sage advise? Are you willing to hear the tough wisdom of others and the tough wisdom of God? Share your experience hear and breathe life and bring hope to others.