When Life Gets Stupid

I heard a quote yesterday that I thought was SOOO good, I wrote it down, (though short enough to remember). I wanted to jot it in the back of my bible, (but I haven’t yet). I think it is good enough to place on the frig as a daily reminder, (so I will).

The quote? “When life gets stupid”. Isn’t THAT so stinkin true! Life just gets crazy stupid at times, with family, friends, church, ministry, chores, phone calls, emails, grocery shopping, work, PLANNING DINNER … on and on the list goes! Oh I HAVE to add dusting. Since I don’t do it often, I feel better that it even made the list!

Albert Einstein, known not only for his genius status, but one who ‘called it like it is’, was quoted as saying, “Two things are infinite. The universe and human stupidity… and I’m not sure about the universe.” When Life gets stupid.

I thought about this throughout the day yesterday. Hm, when life does get hectic and messy, often our responses reach for stupidity. You know, when we completely lack any form of intelligence or flippantly forget to grasp common sense, we just… take off running (in ALL directions) and accomplish practically nothing in the process. And perhaps that stupidity takes its liberty, and brings along a dear friend whose name is Chaos. WHAT do I do with it (them) stupidity and chaos? How do I take pause and prioritize?

The answer? Wisdom! That ‘w’ word. Webster defines wisdom as ‘The quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgement.’ I like to break it down to even simpler terms, ‘inviting the practical application of my God into my very moment.’ I think James must have had a few of these days, he says ‘those of you who lack wisdom ASK …’ (1:5) He goes on to say “Ask the lady at the check out stand.” Um, NO! Ask your very best buddy? Again, NO! “Ask GOD!” God, who gives generously. There WILL be days that we NEED to tap into this generous offer. God will show us by His Spirit and in His word skills in the affairs of life, wise and insightful paths. He will give moral understanding and offer practical application, the Biblical definition of this wisdom James speak of. If you are like me, you need step-by-step instruction to dig yourself out. He will do THAT! If you lack insight, the skills needed in the moment, understanding and by golly HOW to apply all this God stuff…ask. “God WHAT is it You want in this very moment?” HOW am I to respond, give me the words and the plan, show me what is most important right now” He is the God of our now! Take just a brief breath to exhale this as well (go for the extra measure) “WHY are my motives important … WHERE should Your name be placed?” May I boldly offer, when/while asking this of God, put the bat down, the one you are beating yourself with. He is loving, He will answer. Just make sure you listen with followup obedience when He speaks to you. “Wisdom begins with a proper understanding of who God is and who we are not.” – Andy Stanley (emphasis mine) We need to listen.