This morning, a friend called.  He'd listened to my potential problem. Figured it would cause me angst. He wanted to offer a wonderful solution. A solution that would involve time and work for him. Years ago, my response might have been: Thank you, BUT I’m OK, I can handle this. Today I'm a little wiser.

It's possible you believed, as I did – that ‘with age comes wisdom.’  We keep waiting.  This wisdom never seems to arrive. Perhaps that’s because when it does show up most of us don’t recognize it. Why is that?

Perhaps it's because ‘wisdom’ comes in many disguises.  It comes slowly.  It comes when we hear ourselves saying ‘I understand, and you are right – that would be wonderful -  thank you.’  And our acknowledgement is not followed by the word … but!

My measure of wisdom is in remembering. Remembering perfection is not necessary. Remembering ‘doing it all’ is impossible. Remembering money is not our most important asset.  Remembering to be grateful. Remembering to listen. Remembering children learn by example. So much to learn from remembering.

The dictionary says Wisdom involves three components: Cognitive. Reflective. Compassionate.  Recalling my friend's call this morning - I would add intuitive.   My friend understood. 

My personal 'wisdom' was in simply offering a sincere 'thank you' and dropping the 'but.'   Sometimes that's all it takes.

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