To be or not to be….that is the question when faced with the choice between serenity (to accept what I cannot change) and courage (to change what I can). There is a time and place for everything, but wisdom is always in season.
Wisdom is usually the determining factor when it comes to making the right choice between acceptance and action. It’s not always an easy call because everyone does not have the experience and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Wisdom considers all the options and picks the best course. Wisdom is when a six-time Olympic medalist steps down and chooses her mental health over the glory of another highly anticipated gold medal. Wisdom is when people look at a global pandemic objectively and make sound decisions that are based on the opinions of trained scientists. Wisdom is making difficult decisions about money, health, life and death. Wisdom is not haphazard and it is not automatic. Wisdom is earned.
Researchers have tried to narrow wisdom down to five components: openness, emotional regulation, humor, critical life experience, and reminiscence and reflectiveness. While there may be a little merit there, the true measure of wisdom is more basic and practical. Take King Solomon for example.
King Solomon is the best example of acquired and applied wisdom. The wise king had all sorts of earthly treasures and glories at his fingertips. God was waiting to grant his request. Instead of choosing more material gain, however, Solomon asked God for wisdom to discern evil from good so that he could be a better leader for the people entrusted to him. God was so amazed at Solomon’s choice that He not only gave him wisdom as requested, but He also blessed him with tremendous wealth. God knew He could trust Solomon to do the right thing.
So, as you weigh the options between the serenity to accept and the courage to change, take yourself out of the equation and consider the effect on the lives of those around you. When your decision-making rises to a level where you are looking at the big picture and not just expecting temporary gains, that is “the wisdom to know the difference.”
-Sojourner Hope
This post is the third of a three part series. Click the links for Part I and Part II.
