Words from Wisdom

Sometimes I'm so convinced that I know what is best for a loved one, I try to share my ideas in love and concern, but they don't listen to me. Presently, my concern involves a matter of safety for a loved one, but it might be an unwise decision they are facing, an opportunity not taken, etc... Whatever it is, you reach out to them and share your concerns, and it seems that they fall on deaf ears. Does this sound familiar? I'm sure I'm not alone here.

I was feeling particularly frustrated and concerned when I took time this evening to pray with the Scripture readings for tomorrow (I'm lectoring at mass). These words from Wisdom stopped me cold:

Who can know God's counsel,
or who can conceive what the LORD intends?
For the deliberations of mortals are timid,
and unsure are our plans.
For the corruptible body burdens the soul
and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.
And scarce do we guess the things on earth,
and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty;
but when things are in heaven, who can search them out?
Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom
and sent your holy spirit from on high?
And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.

I must admit, I chuckled at myself. While I think my concerns are valid, I also need to remember that I am not in charge. This is not to say that when I'm concerned for a loved one, I shouldn't share those concerns. But I also don't need to take the entire weight of the world on my shoulders. And I certainly don't need to control other people. I'm reminded of something Michael Crosby once said in a presentation ... "What adult have you ever changed?"

Moreover, this reading reminds me that while it is important to voice my concerns, it is also important to do so with compassion and humility. "And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty." I know what I know, but it is very little in the grand scheme of things. "For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans."

In the end, I do what I can do, and the rest I take to God. Hold my loved one safe, good and gracious God. Give them (and me) the gift of discernment. Most of all, help us to live in love and to trust in you.