Our Own Hearts Need Apply

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. She hastens to make herself known in anticipation of their desire; whoever watches for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate. // Wisdom 6:12-14

It was another late night with a friend, and I found myself trying to speak peace and reassurance into the heart of a mother who was struggling to adjust to life with a fussier-than-usual newborn:

“You are a good mom.”

“God sees you and loves you.”

“I know you can do hard things.”

Over the years I have had conversations just like these, time and time again, both personally and professionally. They have taken place in cramped hospital rooms, during late-night breastfeeding sessions, and in kitchens with sinks filled with dirty dishes. Sometimes I take notice of how readily I can speak words of wisdom to the special people in my life—new moms, friends, coworkers—but fail to give the same care and attention to the crevices of my own heart. It’s almost as though the persistent, nagging thought running in the background of my mind is: “Karen’s heart need not apply.”

What a lie from the evil one who seeks only to breed confusion and despair!

God’s gift of wisdom is for all, sister, and today’s First Reading gives sound evidence of this: “She hastens to make herself known [ . . . ] and whoever waits for her at dawn shall not be disappointed, for he shall find her sitting by his gate” (Wisdom 6:13-14).

Do we honor our own hearts with the same truths that we speak to others? 

Dear Father, help us to be lovers and receivers of wisdom in every facet of our lives. May we know how deeply you desire to share your wisdom with us, and may we find it waiting today at the doors of our homes and at the doors of our hearts. Amen.