Seeking Wisdom

This is the next in the series of notes to send your children or grandchildren away at college to encourage them in their faith life.

What is your deepest desire? What is hidden within yourself that you deeply wish to come forth into the light of yourself?

This is your true purpose in college - the time to discover yourself, your true self; the part you sometimes mask even to yourself, ”the you” which is also hidden away from your family and friends?

“Each has a purpose, a role, a personal calling, a potential to fulfill.  All are equal, each is significant.”    (S. Smith, Path to Potential.)

It is the eternal question.  Why am I here?  It has always been so.

Solomon, when being made a king of the Israelites, at night in a dream, is found by God who says, ”Ask what I shall give you?” (1 Kings ) Solomon asks for an understanding mind, a listening heart, to govern the people of God. Solomon wants to be able to discern between good and evil; he asks not for riches or honor.  Solomon is asking for wisdom in his kingship.

American Indian culture initiates youth into manhood, sending him forth into the dark of night for a period of time to discern, how he is to be a man.    This time is like being alone in a cave at midnight with no light. And He is there, as He always is because as Wisdom says, He knows our desires, our needs if one only asks.  One’s response, like the response of Solomon, must be made with faith and trust.

Wisdom and desire meet, commingle.  Faith and trust mesh in mind, heart, and soul. Man has looked beyond himself for meaning, for one’s reason to be - going from the darkest part of the night into the growing light of the eastern sky. Man reaches for Him and He finds the one who is searching. 

Now is the time to begin your journey.  Time it is to begin each morning praying aloud.  “Here I am, Lord.  I come to do your will.” 

And He will answer you as He did His Apostles,  “Increase your faith, your trust.  My wisdom I give to you.”