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Life Lesson:
Where Wisdom Hides
 Sugar Blues Journaling Peace Keep It! Wisdom Pain Best Lesson Home |
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One part of me was as excited as a child, inwardly dancing, thinking of the fun of discovery in the coming days. Another part of me stood aside, wide-eyed, with more than just a little apprehension and saying, "Joanne...you haven't been quiet one whole day in your entire life!" I chuckled to myself, remembering the nickname our neighbors gave me as a child: "Chatrabota." (Chatterbox.) Wouldn't they get a kick out of seeing me now? "Impossible," they might even say. Definitely, this was going to be a challenge.
The outline of the buildings of San Francisco Theological Seminary gave me a peaceful greeting as I drove onto the grounds. After parking the car, I leaned back and breathed a long sigh, reassuring myself, "God is here, God is here." Thirty-two retreatrants, some a little apprehensive, gathered together for the Orientation Session that evening. After all the introductions, many helpful hints were given to help us transist from a hectic, busy life to a contemplative one—for some, no easy task.
With a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile, the pastor continued, "The best way to slow down is to close the mouth." |
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"God is here, God is here." |
I was very fidgety the first day or so. Passing people in the halls and walkways without greeting them seemed awkward to me. As the days wore on, silence became more comfortable. The only responsibility I had was to slow down and put myself in a passive mode. For a controlling person, this can be an act of courage! I kept reminding myself, "God is here. God is here." |
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On the third day came a breakthrough. Forced to disconnect from others, I became more aware of my own thoughts and feelings. I discovered that I had been afraid to be quiet and alone. I was uncomfortable about looking and listening to the messages within. What if nothing good was there!? What if I was just a shallow, foolish person? What if I was a coward? What if........ "Too late," I cried, "'Pandora's Box' is opening, look and see what's inside." I put my hand over my mouth to cover a smile as I discovered with glee, that a very creative, sensitive, person lived there. I found a deeply thoughtful person who was understanding and patient. This wasn't "Pandora's Box" but a Treasure Chest. I could hardly wait to be alone with me to see what in the world I would think of next! |
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Quietness, first found only outside in my surroundings, began to move inwardly. Apprehension and fear were being replaced with peace and wonderment. They settled within and made themselves at home. Ahhhhhh...here lies wisdom, at the Center, where God and I dwell together in harmony. |  |
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From the Living Bible The Benefits of Following Wisdom - Proverbs 2:2-10 If you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you, and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him. For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy.
Retreat Resources Companions on the Inner Way Conference San Francisco Theological Seminary holds their annual; 5 ½-day retreat at Sierra Madre, California. The retreat will be led by The Reverend Howard Rice, Professor Emeritus. For more information call Ann Pope, 415-258-6583.
Women at the Well, Menlo Park, California
Call the Center 650-328-8966 for information or a Retreat Brochure or email:
WomenatWel@aol.com
Mercy Center, Burlingame, California
Hesed Community, 3745 Elston Avenue, Oakland, California |
essons learned the hard way:
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ESL Ministry Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church 1801 Lacassie Avenue 
Walnut Creek California 94596 925-935-1574Joanne Rae Meads jrmeads@worldnet.att.net
August 20, 2001© Copyright 1999 by Joanne Meads, All Rights Reserved