Wisdom and Learning

I have a billion books laying around that I have either read, re-read, or am "going to get to that one" for my reading pleasure. Every once in awhile, one seems to just "show up" just when I need it. Such an event just happened to me the other day.

Michael Warden is one of my favorite authors. He is a life coach and a mentor and one fine day I just may do one of his programs. I have one of his devotional books and it is one that I really enjoy - he is more so on the point for real-life events than many. Here is an excerpt from the book that shook my world the other day. And just because it was applicable and right on time. Coincidence? I think not.

Jesus replied, " You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand".
John 13:7

Wisdom and learning come not from experience, but from our reactions to it. Learning from experience is a matter of choice. The nature of the experience is irrelevant; it is the attitude of the heard that determines what we get out of it. The lessons from experience are learned slowly, over time, like a seed planted in the ground but when the plant finally bears fruit - when we finally understand - we are permanently changed.

Not everyone who goes through an experience will respond well, however. Some will simply forget about it - their seed is stolen away. Some will interpret the experience wrongly, or fail to apply the lesson to their lives - their seed is choked out by other concerns. But some will receive the lesson implanted, and they will be changed. Learning to be teachable in the midst of any experience - whether pleasant or painful - is the heart of wisdom.

Jesus uses experience to sift our hearts and separate out for Himself those whose hearts are teachable and wiling. Experience beautifies the hearts of those who are humble and hardens the hearts of those who demand their own way. It's a decision of the heart. Do not resist Him, but commit yourself to remain moldable in His hand. ~Michael Warden

Makes you think a bit about what to do in the midst of your experiences, doesn't it? It's very humbling to think that He gives us this choice - and waits with open arms for us to bring them to Him. Simply amazing.