Alphabet letters, vowels, and consonants formed into words, sentences, paragraphs, and books — spoken, lectured, signed, whispered, gossiped, written, and printed. From friendly advice to impassioned speeches and from dusty volumes to daily blogs, messages are sent and received with each sender trying to impart knowledge…. and wisdom.
Woven into human fabric is the desire to learn and understand. Our minds set us apart from animals, and we analyze, conceptualize, theorize, discuss, and debate everything from science to the supernatural. And we build schools, institutes, and universities where learned professors can teach us about the world and about life.
Knowledge is good, but there is a vast difference between “knowledge” (having the facts) and “wisdom” (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom, our knowledge is useless. We must learn how to live out what we know.
Life Application Study Bible –Zondervan
I wish there were more wise people in charge these days. Wisdom is a rarity. I certainly don’t find it on Channels 2 – 5094 on my Direct TV subscription. Pretty verbs and adjectives spun by gorgeous delivery-system ponytails in the skimpiest of outfits, only a minute old while clawing their way to the top of the television world. Blahblahblahblahblah. Most days, insulting to a human being that has actually lived in this old world for many decades.
A nice thing about living in the Wild West is that people here know a thing or two. They pay attention to nature and clue into signs of impending weather changes. They sense when someone is having a rough day and take time to give comfort where needed. People still know how to be neighbors that give a damn. For that reason, Winterpast is the perfect place for me to call home.
The other day, while making arrangements to lunch with an old city friend, I was questioned on whether I’d been Covid tested or would be before we had lunch. Such an odd question, I replied that I hadn’t been sick or been around anyone that was sick. No, I hadn’t been tested, nor would I be. The friend was rather shocked, leaving me the uncomfortable choice to avoid the lunch all together. I cancelled.
When did Covid become a risk when I have been in isolation for weeks and weeks already? Social distancing at church. Sanitizer. Gloves. Triple masks. Fear. Some studies have questioned whether those that are vaccinated are shedding viruses that endanger those that are not.
With such fear coming over the phone, I wondered why that would be? This person was already vaccinated? Shouldn’t I be the one trembling over my viral death sentence when sharing a simple lunch???? It was obvious that television intake of Crazy, Repetitive, Audio Particulars (CRAP) had over overcome all sensibility, while the virus was surely sneaking under the door.
Now a new more virulent strain is upon us. One in which symptoms are so mild, you may not even know you had it. Hmmmmm. I will take my chances with that one, as well.
Knowledge without wisdom is a terrible thing. Wisdom gained throughout life is something that knowledge can validate. Elders know a few things more valuable than those learned in the ivory towers of academia.
During the height of the polio scare, my parents were very careful to social distance with their girls. We had play dates with those children whose activities we knew. Families huddled together, playing safe distances from others. We all enjoyed fresh air, food, and water and avoided cities and congestion. Always, fresh air and sunshine were vital. Not only for their cleansing properties, but also to allow our bodies to make Vitamin D in just the right amounts needed for individual health.
Viruses, although very interesting, don’t pop out of nowhere. They need a living source to multiply. My town is sparsely populated, and located in the middle of the high desert plains of North Western Nevada. The winds howl, scrub brushing everything in their path. The sun bakes everything to a crisp. Have there been outbreaks here? Of course. Sadly, some groups have been hit rather hard. Medically vulnerable people need to be mindful that even a mask and social distancing are not enough. This is very real and deadly for some.
Staying tucked away within Winterpast, my chances of harboring the virus are slim to none. That being said, I could die tomorrow. This I can proclaim with 100% certainty. Sometime in the future, on a date unknown to me, I will die. When that occurs, home I’ll go, knowing the way.
I did share with my friend one important fact. We all have a responsibility to our own truths. Create a storm? Stand in your own rain. For me, there is no other choice in this matter. Please, find kindness in your heart when you meet others like me. Medical issues are private matters and not always found in black and white. Have a great day today! Practice kindness and find your joy.