The content of my weekly blogs is drawn primarily from ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, while the 2020 format was inspired by James Clear’s “3-2-1” Thursdays. Building from my recent book UNBEATABLE! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence, each week you will receive One Pillar/Proverb, One Principle and One Practical.
One Pillar
“Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens…?”
One Principle
I was overseas for most of this past week on a work assignment and travelled home on February 29, 2020. Yes, I spent some of this extra day that comes every four years, in the air. I was fortunate to catch a bit of the sunrise and a splendid view of the clouds. It was a breathtaking sight! The clouds were spread out beautifully across the skies, too many to count. The view took me back to the story of Job which is told in Old Testament Wisdom Literature. It is here we find one of many rhetorical questions: who has the wisdom to count the clouds?
I was reminded of how miniscule I am in the broader scheme of things. Even the idea of how we get one extra day every four years is a brain-teaser. It all compels me to think of my need to walk humbly every day before my Creator and my fellow man. I couldn’t begin to count the clouds. I don’t have the power to make the rain fall. I simply get to make a contribution, and hopefully a meaningful one, in a universe whose expanse is vast, magnificent and awe-inspiring.
One Practical
Find some time this coming week to interact with nature. Step outdoors and watch the clouds or even go to a mountaintop, garden or seaside if any is within reach. Be still, reflect on the beauty that surrounds you and make a commitment to walk in humility every day.
To learn more about these pillars of personal excellence, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
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I almost forgot this year is a leap year as a conversation I had on Feb 28 was to wish someone, whose birthday falls on March 1 to wish them happy birthday on the next day. Later, I realized that an additional day has been provided. There is so much to be grateful for and the importance to pause and enjoy what has been given by our Creator.
True Michelle. With all the challenges evident in today’s world, whether in terms of health or otherwise, we cannot take anything for granted. An extra day is a gift to be celebrated indeed.
Every morning, when I say my prayers, like clockwork, I will always thank God for giving me an opportunity to live another day. I am so aware that it is a huge blessing to be given another day and for one reason only; to bring glory to His name. Those rhetorical questions in the book of Job is a sure reminder that I am but dust, and yet an even greater reminder of how big my God is, the only one to be revered, the one to whom I owe my very existence, the one who even though created this vast universe, does not judge me, is willing to listen to me and calls me His own. Yes, I have chosen this day to walk in humility before him everyday, because over 2000 years ago he chose to do the same for me.
And for someone who does not appreciate nature as I should, I commit to interacting with it this week so that I can see and appreciate His ‘bigness’ even more. Thanks Tyrone!
Thanks for your thoughtful reflections Ronke. Looking at the mountains and the clouds have often helped me to keep perspective on who I am and who God is. Then it becomes easier to move in the direction of humility, a journey that is worth the effort and focus.
Indeed I am inspired by your sharing of how great our God is and the wonders of his creation like the clouds and rain. I look forward to going to the beach this weekend to have fun and gaze upon the beauty of God.
Sure thing Brent. There are few things like nature that can remind us of God’s sovereignty and wisdom.