THE WISE MAN
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“I made a lot of mistakes,” he said softly gazing onto a distant horizon that was invisible to me, but very real to him… It was the horizon of his past life. It takes a wise person to recognize their shortcomings, it takes a stronger person to change. The Bible says, “Humility comes before honor, and pride comes before a fall.” I guess the person glancing back over the horizon of their life would see and remember the pride eras coupled with it’s constant companion folly fairly easy.
His eyes were kind and understanding as he mused his past, yet strong and wise from the understanding gained the hard way. The eyes of wisdom have a different look than the eyes of pride… Although they can see the same things the understanding or perspective makes them appear different, perceiving the things visible from the inside out. The prideful eyes see things just the opposite; they perceive what they see from the outside in, and the soul cage houses a fool…
When he first started reflecting his past I didn’t give it much thought, I was busy living my life one day at a time, not thinking much about the future and even less about my past. It’s a little disturbing to have someone who’s lived a life with high standards and fewer flaws along the way ponder their shortcomings.
It could be that for some of us we make so many wrong decisions or choices along the way that they begin to fill our souls up until we reach the point that they begin to overflow. The folly overflows the rims of our eyes and the reality burns our skin and runs into our mouths.
The bitter taste of folly revisited…
When I did follow the wise man’s lead and considered the mistakes of my life I learned that it isn’t pleasant… in fact it’s downright painful. To comprehend the countless mistakes in life is a humbling experience, to grasp that we have forgiveness from and for them is nothing short of miraculous.
The wise man shared with me some of his regrets, one of them went something like this, “I was too hard on you kids… I shouldn’t have been as hard as I was… I’m sorry son.” I’d always laugh, “Pops – you didn’t do anything wrong… you warned us of the consequences and sometimes we’d try to get away with it anyway”! I’d add in humor, “Maybe I’ve done the stupid things I have in life because you weren’t hard enough”?
These days when I set my eyes on my past horizon I’m humbled by the regret that swims across the ponds of my eyes as I study the pastscape… Although troubled with unneeded detours, the eyes of the wise man pointed me back to the path that leads to life.
This life has a different look when looking through the eyes of wisdom.
I’m grateful for the wise man, the wisdom and strength in his eyes…
And the hand of our Father on those wise enough to see…
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 @ 8:56 pm
One of my all time favorite verses is Isaiah 33:6…And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.
I love that stability. From time to time, I do look back, but only for a bit. These days, I try not to introspect my navel – since I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, and old things have passed away…all things having been made new.
I appreciate that the Blood of Jesus continually cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Those “unneeded detours”, as you mentioned, eventually led me to God’s Plan B. Hallelujah! Then as I look back, I tell myself, ” I will never walk that path again!” He restores my soul!
Glad you had such a good dad and that he made such an impression on you!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 6:59 am
Thanks Nancy. The detours did lead us to His plan B, I just have to be diligent in remembering where the pitfalls were so as not to pass that way again.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 @ 9:22 pm
What a wonderful post. my goal and desire is to be growing in Godly wisdom. Wisdom is one of the most essential things a person can grow and learn.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:00 am
“To grow in Godly wisdom.” Well said Dan, you definitely are precise in your goals… the making of a great leader I’d say.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 2:16 am
One of the themes of Proverbs is wisdom learned from those who have gone before. I was foolish as a younger man thinking I knew so much I did not need to listen. Now, I am hoping the younger ones will listen. Good thoughts Floyd. Very wise. 🙂
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:02 am
I’m guilty of the same thing Bill. I too pray this generation might be more open and less headstrong to the calling of God… but that headstrong nature is designed and can be used by Him. I guess you’re living proof of that!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 5:28 am
Wow–I love how God works. This post, at this time, is important in many ways to me…
One way–I’m linking on my blog today to a comment you made a few months ago there about one of my friends. Hope that’s okay with you.
Another way–as I get ready to watch my baby graduate this weekend, I keep looking backwards and seeing ways I messed up in my parenting. Thankfully at this stage she is as gracious to me as you are to your dad.
I’m receiving the mercy of God–it’s life-changing.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:04 am
Ahh thanks Lisa. I’m honored to share this life’s lessons with my brothers and sisters in Christ. You are a blessing.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 5:41 am
I think as parents, we are even harder on ourselves than we were before we had children. I know I am.
I also think of this, “With age comes wisdom.” I wouldn’t trade getting older for anything because it allows me to look back and learn from it. 🙂
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:12 am
So true, I wouldn’t want to give up what little wisdom I’ve got! Thanks April, I’m with you.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 6:16 am
As I read these words, “Although they can see the same things the understanding or perspective makes them appear different, perceiving the things visible from the inside out. The prideful eyes see things just the opposite; they perceive what they see from the outside in, and the soul cage houses a fool…” All I can say is WOW! Very profound post!
I also like pastscape’s, I’ve never heard it put like that before.
Great, great post!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:20 am
Thanks TC. I was wondering if anyone was going to catch my new made up word. And thanks for all your support, you’re too kind.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 9:42 am
Godly wisdom is not only heard or memorized but applied. Then it becomes part of you and proves you believe it. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but I praise God for those godly people who would speak into me no matter what. That’s a truly humbling thing. Thanks Floyd. Great post.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 4:50 pm
God is amazing how He uses people to teach us. Even in their human form we can still get a glimpse of the heart and intent of our heavenly Father. It is humbling for sure. Thanks Jason.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 12:07 pm
We do always see in the “pastscape” pride intertwined with folly, don’t we? I love the word “pastscape” and I love the deep honesty in this post. There is not a soul alive that doesn’t have regrets. I can see from this post that your father taught you well to admit mistakes, ask forgiveness and then look forward to the Grace that is always there. 🙂
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 4:53 pm
Thanks Danelle. Your wisdom is beyond your years, I’m certain of that. I’m also certain it comes from the hand and heart of God. I think we’ve come up with a new word and an exact definition, “Pride intertwined with folly.” Well said.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 6:44 pm
When I think back when my children were young, I was too harsh on them. Oh how I would have done things differently. No going back to redo. I have told them I am sorry for being too hard at times. I think they have forgiven me. Yes, there have been detours, and plan B and somtines plan C and D, but God is faithful and continues to be so.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:26 pm
None of us are perfect that’s for sure. But you said it all with God being faithful and continuing to be so… I guess that’s what grace is all about…
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:08 pm
I agree with Lisa, this is a very timely post. I know your words come from God! His timing is perfect. My mom was the opposite and was really hard on us and doesn’t regret it. But over time my heart has softened and I realize she did the very best she could with everything she had. I know my boys will see that someday too.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 @ 7:29 pm
Thanks Audra, we’re all in the same boat for sure. To know that we’re doing the best we can and striving for God in our children’s lives says it all. Good job mom.