Proverbs 2:1-5
My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
if you indeed cry out for insight,
and raise your voice for understanding;
if you seek it like silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasures—
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Reflection by Jeffrey Woodard
In a world increasingly wrought by fright, the tiny region between my two ears remains one of the scariest, volatile places I know. The analytical left brain continuously locks horns with the creative right, and it can get take-no-prisoners ugly. I am the byproduct of parents I cherish. They are my best friends. One operates by the book, step by step, according to a plan. The other is able to do likewise – but thrives when winging it, creatively wandering and wondering.
Fortunately, I have an ally, an arbiter in my inner battle: my intuition. The breakthrough occurred 30 years ago when I picked up and moved from Cleveland to Phoenix, leaving family and friends behind. No job offer awaiting. Next to no cash on hand. No “decision” was involved. No dividing a piece of paper with a pen stroke down the middle, labeling the resultant columns “pro” and “con.” No brain busting.
The beautiful moments in my life – from the coming-out process and career changes to the geographic relocations and home purchases – have blossomed only when the seeds of intuition have been planted, nurtured and allowed to bloom. The harvest is more bountiful, the peace more precious when the intuition is given the chance to do its diplomacy thing.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of intuition and the understanding that even when I “go with the gut,” the only guarantee in my midst is your unconditional guidance.