Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22 NRSV
We all have blind spots. In the same way that a driver can make a mistake by missing an approaching vehicle in their “blind spot”, so each one of us can miss certain upcoming hazards in life.
Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this problem: don’t try to figure everythingout yourself! While we can do many things on our own, and often find great satisfaction in doing so, there are some tasks which are too important for this “lone ranger” approach.
A willingness to learn from others, and to seek out their advice, is often the best and easiest way to achieve success. This is true with small goals, but even more essential with large ones. When we reached the moon with the Apollo missions, was everything done by one person? No! Of course not! Thousands of people worked together to achieve that bold goal of reaching the moon within a decade.
So often, I remember our boys when they were toddlers saying, “by self”. We used our judgement to determine if they needed our assistance, or if they should do it themselves. I think we need to remember that asking for help is a part of this equation. No one likes a “know it all”, so be careful and use discretion. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by making a mistake. Yet not always…
When one asks for advice, there is also a degree of humbleness that goes along with it. It can be difficult to admit that we don’t have all the answers, and can’t solve things completely ourselves. When we ask for assistance, we acknowledge other’s wisdom, and we trust them for guidance.
Who have been the wise counselors in your life?
What specific advice did they give you which ended up saving you much grief?
When did you try to do something “by yourself”, only to discover that you were in over your head, and needed help?
Such questions are worth pondering… In this month of Thanksgiving, give thanks for those who offer you wise advice in different areas of your life…
Prayer
God of all wisdom,
When I am arrogant and prideful of my own abilities, help me to remember the times when I have been humbled by life’s circumstances. Remind me that asking others for help, and seeking out their advice, is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Watch over me when I help and guide others through some of their challenges. Thank You for placing people in my life who have helped me along my journey. I pray this prayer in the name of Your son, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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