Seeking His wisdom

This morning, gathered with three brothers before the break of day, I was blessed with a reminder of the priceless value of the gift of wisdom. Our men's group, after all, is built around the common denominators of fatherhood and a desire to be godly husbands/fathers. Today there was reference to last Sunday's teaching, which focused on Proverbs 1 and the subject of wisdom. There we read in part (Prov. 1:7):

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (instruction)."

From the beginning, I have felt privileged to be part of this dad's group. I am the only man there with adult children AND grandchildren to boot. Today, as we shared and prayed, I was reminded once again what a great gift it was to live a childhood with role models including a godly father and grandfather. I was reminded what a gift it is to live in continued fellowship with godly men such as those in this "dad's group."

I was also reminded that my ongoing prayers for wisdom should include a request for discernment -- Holy Spirit promptings such as when to speak and when to stay silent; when to engage, and when to walk away; when to pray against challenging circumstances, and when to pray that those circumstances might be embraced, recognized as God's tools.

Most of all, I recall today that I must rely on the Lord for the wisdom -- and the courage -- to see and deny my natural inclinations to place myself above Him and others. I give thanks for his limitless grace.