Wisdom is a virtue that I definitely haven't developed fully, yet. I'd like to think that at the ripe old age of seventeen, I know everything, and I can do whatever I want. Sadly, this is not the case. I haven't yet lived enough to know if everything I am doing is wise. I believe that wisdom comes with life experiences, which I haven't nearly enough of. Truly wise people do what is best for themselves and the people around them. They think before they act. They are kind, and they learn from their own mistakes, and the mistakes of others. I believe that they make the world around them a better place.
When I think of a wise person, one of the first that pops into my mind is President Hinckley. He was the President of the Church for the majority of my life. He always seemed very wise to me. If the Church had a problem, he knew what to do, and he relied on the Lord. He was truly wise. He realized that whatever little we know from this life, the Lord knows it all, plus a billion things we never though of. Wisdom, in part, is stepping aside, becoming humble, and allowing the Lord to guide you through paths you would not have picked for yourself. I'm sure that President Hinckley as a young man, never even imagined that someday he would be the Prophet of the only true Church on the face of the earth. However, he stepped back and allowed the Lord to guide him the way that he needed to go. That is true wisdom.
Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences. ~Norman Cousins
But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
- 2nd Nephi 2:24
Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.
- Doug Larson
Therefore, he that lacketh awisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
- Doctrine and Covenants 42:68
No man was ever wise by chance.
- Seneca
We too must realize that God has governing laws and that His wisdom is greater than our own. Even Moses observed, after seeing God’s majesty and workmanship, “Man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.”
- Robert R. Steuer, "Being Teachable"
Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk. ~Doug Larson
Peace is hard to find. We live in a turbulent word, and we are constantly bombarded with sounds, smells, sights, media and so much more. My turbulence recently is in the form of road construction. From the hours of 8 am to 5 pm my house is rattling, shaking and the sounds of cement trucks are easily hearable from anywhere on my street.
I believe that peace can be found in the sight of the snow covered Mt. Timpanogos, the sound of little kids running up and down my street, the smell of our garden, the dirt and the sunshine. Peace is all around us. Most of all, peace is found through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate source of peace. He can take all of our pain, our anguish, our "turbulence" and give us peace.His peace is free from pain and fear. Everything will be okay.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.)
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa
Have you sensed the thrill, the peace within your soul, that comes from a knowledge of the gospel and from accepting and living in accordance with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Have you felt the peace from doing temple work, vicarious work for the dead?
A key to peace, then, is service. Christ said: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11.)
- "Peace", Elder Eldred G. Smith Patriarch of the Church, July 1972
The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists.
- William J. Clinton, 1997
"This is a troubled world. Discord and disaster are everywhere. It sometimes feels as though mankind itself may be hanging in the balance.
"Foreshadowing our day, the Lord said, 'The heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve' (Moses 7:61; emphasis added). We should take great comfort in this promise."
-Keith B. McMullin
I take it that what all men are really after is some form of, perhaps only some formula of, peace.
- James Conrad
"The pattern of the Lord is for His children to make decisions based upon eternal truth. This requires that your life continue to be centered in the commandments of God. Thus, decisions are made in accordance with unchanging truths, aided by prayer and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. In addition to your own strength and capacity, you will enjoy divine inspiration and power when needed. Your actions will be predictable and will bless the lives of all in the circle of your influence. You will have a meaningful life of purpose, peace, and happiness.
"There is no guarantee that life will be easy for anyone. We grow and learn more rapidly by facing and overcoming challenges. You are here to prove yourself, to develop, and to overcome. There will be constant challenges that cause you to think, to make proper judgments, and to act righteously. You will grow from them. However, there are some challenges you never need to encounter. They are those associated with serious transgression. As you continue to avoid such mistakes, your life will be simpler and happier."
I think that I have watched the "50 Words" video at least 50 times. My friend, Dani, posted a challenge called the 50 Week challenge, and I have decided to do it, and I would recommend that anyone who would like to should join me. The challenge, is to watch the video on the previous post, titled 50 words, and write about each word. It doesn't have to be long, or even on a blog, just write about each word and what it means to you. After writing about each word, spend time pondering and try to apply it into your life. I have adjusted the origional challenge a little. Dani is focusing on one word per week. I am going to focus on one word:
a day.
The reason for once a day rather than once a week? I am using this challenge as part of Personal Progress, but I have to finish Personal Progress by the time I turn 18 (in November). There just isn't enough time between now and then for me to only do one word a week, (doing that would end some time next June!)
I would encourage everyone to do this challenge with me, if not once a day, once a week. I truly believe that deeply studying and applying these words will greatly affect lives for the better. One word a day can do a lot. Staring with today's word: Peace.
This video hit me hard, and I found myself watching it over and over. I hope and pray that I can emulate these words fully in my life. I challenge you to do the same.
