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Category: Wisdom

Up a Creek without a Paddle

Up a Creek without a Paddle

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Up a Creek without a Paddle, kayak, Hongyan Li
Courtesy of Hongyan Li

During my childhood, our family loved to fish and swim. We lived near a creek that was ice cold on the hottest summer day. After hours of working outside, nothing felt better than jumping into that freezing water.

  • It took our breath.
  • We shivered from the shock.
  • Yet, what a wonderful, refreshing way to cool down.

We did most of our fishing from the banks (sides) of the creek. A few friends preferred fishing from boats. Most used motorboats, but some rowed with oars (paddles).

Circumstances sometimes left those boaters up a creek without a paddle.

The creek was narrow in most places. Therefore, they could usually reach the banks, if they dropped a paddle.

However, problems did occur:

  • Wide places left them far from the banks.
  • High water after a hard rain added to their danger.
  • Not all those boaters could swim.
  • Hardly anyone owned a life jacket.

Losing a paddle under those circumstances left boaters in trouble. They were up a creek without a paddle.

Life’s like that.

On most occasions we find solutions to our problems, but not always.

  • Difficult circumstances arise that we can’t fix on our own.
  • We see no way out.

We’re up a creek without a paddle.

How easily we forget that the One with the answers to all life’s hardships remains just a prayer away.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV).

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Pretty Is as Pretty Does

Pretty Is as Pretty Does

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Pretty Is As Pretty Does“Isn’t she the prettiest thing you ever saw?” We say that about babies, toddlers, teens, and adults. We use the same words for puppies, kittens, and a host of other pets. Yet, that description can quickly change, if the person or pet’s behavior turns ugly.

We appreciate physical beauty. However, the most important beauty can’t be seen with our eyes. It comes from within. A strong moral character gives one a glow unlike any physical characteristic.

Some of the most beautiful people I know would never win a beauty contest.

Likewise, not everyone who could win a beauty contest lives a beautiful life. Both teach us that pretty is as pretty does.

Most of us want to look as good as possible. So, let’s stay clean, eat right, and exercise regularly. If beauty products help, why not use them? However, let’s not focus totally on what others see or what the mirror reflects. Let’s never forget the source of true beauty.

God made every person uniquely lovely.

Even so, that loveliness quickly fades with rude or hateful actions. In contrast, we enhance our loveliness with kind and helpful deeds.

The cute kitten above took part in a youth Sunday school class project. With permission, seventh and eighth grade girls took puppies and kittens from the local animal shelter to visit nursing home residents. Everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day. Those girls and their borrowed pets showed me once again that pretty is as pretty does.

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV).

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I’m All Ears

I’m All Ears

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I'm All EarsThis little rabbit nibbled grass near our back door. He lifted those ears as soon as he heard us behind him. His body went down, but his ears went up! “I’m all ears” he seemed to say. “I hear your every move and sound.”

He stopped:

  • Eating
  • Twitching his nose
  • Hopping
  • Looking around.

We had his full attention.

We can learn a lot from that kind of focus. Don’t you wish people would listen to one another so well? How often do we try to talk to someone, but we don’t give or receive full attention? While one person talks, the other person’s attention strays to:

  • The television
  • A cell phone
  • A computer screen
  • Another person
  • A book
  • Work
  • Anywhere but on the person talking

What does that say to the person trying to be heard?

  • I’m too busy.
  • You’re not important.
  • Leave me alone.
  • Someone or something else matters more than you.
  • I don’t care what you have to say.

Let’s listen to one another—really listen, with our ears, with our eyes, and with our body language. Like our rabbit friend, let’s send the message, “I’m all ears. I want to hear what you have to say.”

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19 NIV).

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Blowing Off Steam

Blowing Off Steam

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Blowing Off Steam--Old FaithfulOld Faithful, the best known geyser in Yellowstone Park, blows off steam on a regular basis.

Park employees keep her schedule posted, so visitors know when to gather around her.

The “oohs” and “aahs” begin when that built-up thermal pressure blows. The height of her eruptions varies from 100-180 feet. You can watch Old Faithful blowing off steam by webcam at Old Faithful Live.

Some people blow off steam on a regular basis.

Anger wells up within them until they can hold it no longer. Then they explode.

We love to see Old Faithful blowing off steam, but not people.

Anger, an emotion we all share, is not necessarily a bad thing.

Jesus, who lived a perfect life, vented his anger when appropriate.However, we can carry anger to an extreme.

We need to control our anger rather than allowing it to control us.

  • Confront anger rather than letting it build.
  • Express anger in helpful rather than harmful ways.
  • Once we resolve the situation causing our anger, let the anger go.

“’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26 NIV).

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On Top of the World

On Top of the World

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On Top of the World--eagle in tree top, Teton MtnsWe love to be on top of the world.

Yet, we don’t have to climb a mountain or fly a plane to get there. Think about:

  • Wedding vows
  • The birth of a child or grandchild
  • The first day of a long-awaited job

All these and more can make us feel on top of the world.

What if we could experience those emotions forever?

We would be exhausted – no good to ourselves or anyone else. We love grand moments. However, we cannot maintain that level of excitement forever.

Real living includes level ground.

  • Washing dishes
  • Changing diapers
  • Difficult days at work

Level ground keeps our families and our world functioning as they should.

Real living also includes valleys.

  • Relationship difficulties
  • Death
  • Financial crises

Valleys may not be fun. Yet, through them we grow stronger.

From the valleys, we look up.

For many, that is where we find our strength. Through the power of God’s love, we can stay on top of the world, regardless of our circumstances.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV).

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Get to the Bottom of It

Get to the Bottom of It

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Get to the Bottom of ItTo get to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, we must travel by foot, mule, or raft. Be prepared! Hikers should carry plenty of water and food. We also need lots of sunscreen and appropriate shoes and clothing. To see firsthand what’s down there requires an investment of time, money, and effort.

To get to the bottom of anything, we’re seeking an answer or solving a problem.

We want the truth—to know exactly what’s going on. That takes work, regardless of the task. Some people declare they will get to the bottom of a situation “if it’s the last thing I ever do!”

Examples of those who get to the bottom of problems on a regular basis include:

  • Police investigating a crime
  • Parents questioning disobedient children
  • Counselors exploring individual or family difficulties
  • Executives seeking answers for business losses

Each of us needs to get to the bottom of our purpose in life.

We have only a few short years. Will we use them well? Will we continue to explore until we discover life’s greater meaning?

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV).

Thanks to Emily Akin for suggesting this expression.

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Sharp as a Tack

Sharp as a Tack

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Sharp as a Tack -- a tackA few fortunate people are sharp as a tack.

They see, hear, or read information and understand it instantly. Because they are smarter than most, they have what it takes to do well in life.

Deciding what to do with this wonderful gift, however, makes all the difference.

  1. Some choose to help others.
  2. Some help only themselves.
  3. A few take advantage of people not so sharp.

Individuals in the last two groups prove that smart does not mean wise. They never become all they could be.

When not used properly, the point of a tack becomes dull.

When people fail to develop their potential, they lose their sharpness as well. Mental laziness leads to mental dullness.

Tacks grow crooked if not driven in the right direction.

They may then do more harm than good. The same is true of people’s minds. If people focus only on themselves or hurts others, they rob everyone of a life well lived.

What a waste when people throw away the potential God gave them.

Far better when they grow into all they can be – when they stay sharp as a tack.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17 NIV).

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Go the Second Mile

Go the Second Mile

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Go the second mile--2 mile markerNot everyone knows that go the second mile is from the Bible.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) gave His followers clear, but far-from-ordinary, guidelines.

Officers in those days could force people’s assistance for one mile. No one was required to go farther. Yet, Jesus told his followers not to stop after mile one. Instead, he said to go the second mile.

Jesus encouraged going beyond what law or custom demands.

Go the second mile was only one of several examples.

Through Jesus’ words and life, we learn more than what to believe. We learn how to act.

He provided God’s model in a less-than-godly world. He continues to challenge His followers to let the light of God’s love shine by:

  • Service rather than selfishness.
  • Forgiveness rather than revenge.
  • Humility rather than pride.
  • Respect rather than dishonor.
  • Assistance rather than neglect.

In all we do, let’s go the second mile.

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matthew 5:41 NIV).

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Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

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Penny Wise and Pound Foolish--a peeny, a pence, and a pound
A Penny, a Pence, and a Pound

Penny wise and pound foolish describes people who spend carefully on small items but waste money on larger expenses.

A person needs several US pennies (or British pence) to equal one British pound.

Several years ago, someone showed me all her bargains from a clearance sale. She proudly told me each item’s price. Near the end, she began saying, “I don’t know what this is, but it cost only …” Most amounts were less than a dollar. However, her total cost was large.

I remember wondering, Just what will she do with all these mystery objects? They’re not bargains if she has no use for them.

She was penny wise and pound foolish.

People might be penny wise and pound foolish if they:

  • Attempt their own home repairs but require an expert to repair their repairs.
  • Clip grocery coupons and then eat at an outrageously expensive restaurant.
  • Drive several miles to save a few cents per gallon on gasoline.
  • Neglect regular medical care that results in permanent disability.
  • Buy sale items on credit but pay the minimum on their credit card bill.

Don’t we often do the same with our life decisions?

We make the easy choices or do what looks good at the moment. Yet we fail to consider the long-term consequences.

Easy or cheap does not equal good or wise.

Let’s make smart choices in all our investments—financial, educational, occupational, social, emotional, and spiritual.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” Ephesians 5:15 (NIV).

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For Good Measure

For Good Measure

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For Good Measure--grocery scales above fruitMany of us prefer shopping at neighborhood stores and farmers markets. The product quality is only a small part of what makes them special. These merchants usually add extra to our purchase for good measure.

For good measure means more than a fair amount.

Such merchants believe giving extra is the right thing to do.If they lose a little money, that’s okay with them.

  • They value every customer.
  • We always receive fair treatment.

We like to buy from people we trust.

Even if their prices are higher than other stores, we still go there. They are our friends and neighbors. We go to the same activities and attend the same schools and churches.

However, they also give strangers more than necessary for good measure. Such kindness makes a difference in many lives.

Why not follow their example?

Let’s give more for good measure – more

  • Smiles
  • Encouragement
  • Financial help
  • Time
  • Attention to what matters most in life

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

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