Good Morning…
As I nestled in for the annual retreat weekend with my Writing Sisters from Northside Church, my cell phone read, “No Service.” Initially I was frustrated, afraid I might miss something important with family and friends back home. Yet over time I felt my anxiety melt into the mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, and I settled softly into my sequestered state. I must admit, I began to love being out of touch with the outside world for a handful of holy, helpful hours.
Aside from encouragement as a writer, I needed wise counsel about an extended family crisis. I leaned into the truth of Proverbs 15:22 (CEV): Without good advice everything goes wrong—it takes careful planning for things to go right. As two lawyers, two therapists, and a few friends who had personally experienced the affects of mental illness on a family system, our group graciously brainstormed Spirit-filled solutions, infusing me with hope, insight, possibility.
Without cell service, I could not reach out to my needy, far away family member and he could not reach out to me. Instead the garden of my heart was tenderly tended to by God’s wise presence embodied in my Writing Sisters.
I was heard.
I was supported.
I was helped down the path toward making hard choices.
Through our intimate interactions, God placed my hand in the hand of Lady Wisdom, beautifully described here in Proverbs 8:14-21 (MSG).
“I am Lady Wisdom, and I live next to Sanity;
Knowledge and Discretion live just down the street…
Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics;
I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out.
With my help, leaders rule,
and lawmakers legislate fairly;
With my help, governors govern,
along with all in legitimate authority.
I love those who love me;
those who look for me find me…
My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary;
the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.
You can find me on Righteous Road—that’s where I walk—
at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
Handing out life to those who love me,
filling their arms with life—armloads of life!”
As I rode down the mountain in my friend’s passenger seat, my arms were filled with life – armloads of life! Driving back into cell phone range, I thought: “How blessed I have been by ‘No Service.'”
…Sue…
