“In the End You Will Be Wise”
Around 9:00 p.m. every night, the little room in my head responsible for making big decisions hangs a “Closed” sign on the door. My body is tired, and my brain is fried. I’m operating on automatic pilot just to get under a pile of covers with lights out and the ceiling fan set on high.
Oh, the humor of the Lord! About the time I’m fast-tracking my bedtime routine, my sweet husband’s brain is trying to put a bow on some unsolved problem before the day ends. Before he can even think of going to sleep, he feels the need to ask my advice or hash out lots of options on something that – at that time of day – matters not one bit to me.
God bless him.
First, he gets the “Are you kidding me?” stare. Then it’s the “I’m listening but not really listening” look as he verbally processes what seems to me to be everything. Finally, I speak – and usually in a not-so-nice tone – to let him know he’s going to have to try again tomorrow – before 9:00 p.m.
I’m not proud of my irritated-sounding response. I love this guy. I’m on the same team. I’m just too tired to reason or contribute anything helpful until after I’ve had some sleep.
So we’ve come to an understanding that mutual decisions, conflict resolutions or other semi-meaningful conversations need to occur during my brain’s normal business hours. During those times, I’m far more pleasant to deal with, and I’m more likely to contribute ideas and make decisions that are actually productive. Otherwise, one or both of us will end up regretting what we say to each other or where we land in solving a problem.
Fatigue is only one factor that influences whether I’ll regret something I’ve said or done. “Hangry” can be a bad space for me as can “stressed” or “not feeling well.” Anyone else remember the peer pressure of younger days and the not-so-smart things done just because everyone else was doing them? Many a life has been changed or ended because of someone’s poor decision while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
I’ve found that the wisest and best decisions I’ve ever made have come when I’ve been “under the influence” of God’s Holy Spirit…when I’ve allowed myself time to wait on the Lord for answers and solutions…when I’ve searched the Word for wisdom and direction…when I’ve humbled myself and sought counsel from Christ-centered community and trusted, godly friends.
I’ve learned I have too many blind spots and weaknesses to just jump headlong into impactful situations without first spending time with the Lord and imploring His Holy Spirit to lead me.
To my shame, people I love have been wounded by too many hasty, thoughtless words and actions (case in point, my precious husband). It happens every time I step out in my own wisdom and neglect the Spirit’s nudge to wait, pray, and let my mind and body rest.
Can you relate?
Thankfully, God’s grace is available for my failures – and yours, too – and His healing is available for those we’ve hurt. Let’s pray for humility in repentance, gratitude for God’s forgiveness, obedience in seeking to restore relationships and reestablish trust, and wisdom to follow God’s path in future decisions.
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“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…’” – Jeremiah 6:16a
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him...” – Psalm 37:7a
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” – Proverbs 19:20
“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” – 2 Timothy 3:14
“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” – Psalm 143:8
