18Apr
Many years ago, I read a story about a very successful bank president who was retiring. The incoming president arranged a meeting with his predecessor. The young man began the conversation with a compliment, “You have been extraordinarily successful, leading the bank. Would you share with me some advice to help me be successful?” Almost without giving thought, the senior quipped, “Young man, that’s easy, two words, good decisions!” And then he stared silently at the incoming president. After an awkward moment, undaunted by the brief reply, the younger man pressed, “You have certainly made a lot of good decisions. Can you advise me as to how to make them?” Again, as quick as a wink, the energetic old man replied, “That’s easy, two words, bad decisions!”
As we deal with the pandemic, everyday problems, either shrink in proportion or sprout and grow exponentially like Jack’s magic beans. I don’t know about you, but my favorite way to learn and especially the hard lessons is from someone else’s experience.
Imagine sitting down with the aged Solomon. His wisdom had made him world-famous. His wealth was almost too great to reckon. He was known for his wisdom, yet vulnerable to a pretty skirt. We ask the sage, “Tell us. What have you garnered from you many successes and your notable failures?”
We wait in anticipation. The old King’s eyes wander as he carefully chooses his words, “I have learned that the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered…like the fool, the wise too must die. I have seen that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.” (Eccl 2:26, 13)
We are puzzled at this dour assessment of life. Solomon suddenly aims his gaze at us. His eyes sparkle as he energetically explains, “I have also learned. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This, too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment. (Eccl 2:24 NIV) Journey with God daily, and he will cause you to find enjoyment in this unpredictable, unkind, and unfair world.”
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