NOVEMBER 4, 2022
The foundation of a building is, for the most part, unseen. What draws our attention is the construction built on that foundation, perhaps an office building, a Church, or a home. The same can be said in the way you see others. People build their lives on a variety of foundations. It might be your work, your family, or your wealth. People build on things that are important to them. Others may build on less substantial but highly regarded things such as prestige, power, and popularity. (The BIG ME) These foundations are unseen but become visible in the lives of those who have built them. Thoughts, words, and your actions reveal your supporting foundation. Is your foundation a good one? Does it balance your life with your Faith, Family, and your career? Don’t forget, foundations are important when we go raising our children or attend to our work associates. But even the most critical of these foundations could collapse at any time. You might lose your job; family relationships could be shattered, and popularity may fade. That reminds me of a quote from author Stephen Ambrose; “The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future.”
The first pillar of our Band of Brothers is “Wisdom.” (The other three are Courage, Self-Mastery and Love) Wisdom is growth and to become wise, you need to be present in the moment by understanding your circumstances, looking around you to see the community or people God puts in front of you, and practicing the good things that bring a life of fulfilment, contentment, and joy. (Not just pleasure alone) Wisdom is associated with the attributes of unbiased judgment; compassion for others; knowledge learned, changing one’s-self to become a better son, father, brother, husband, and friend; and non-attachment to things along with a stronger belief in what will last forever.
Wisdom is a virtue that can only be acquired through experience. How many people do you know that are interested in trying new things and reflect on the process? People that do this normally have the ability to gain wisdom. By learning as much as you can, (and we all have so much to learn at any age) analyzing your experiences and putting your knowledge to the test, you can become a wiser person if we start with a good foundation. Why do we waste our time judging others rather than trying to understand them. Yes, in the end, we have to make our own judgments to move forward. (Critical thinking) But to make sound decisions and sensible judgments in life, all of us have to overcome a myriad of difficult situations that we will encounter throughout life and get out of those situations with the least possible losses. Losses that can cripple us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. That is where we need a good foundation.
Try building a balanced and good foundation and then practice wisdom, courage, self-mastery and love to make a great team. Yes, many of us might possess earthly and intellectual wisdom. But the world is full of characters with “Devilish Wisdom.” Don’t be one of those. Seek wisdom from above and follow a right path. Find out WHO you are and who you are becoming. Set out on a righteous path that allows you to live out your truth. Take along those that you love and that love you. Finally, know and prepare for your end-game with a great foundation. (“Begin with the end in mind”) It will always be the wise thing to do.
Elevator Guy
Quotes for the Day;
“Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.” Zen Proverb
“Knowledge humbles the great man, astonishes the common man, puffs up the little man.” Anon
“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.” Bruce Lee