I decided about three years ago that I would get off of any high-horse I sat on and and stop giving advice. Especially advice that no one had asked for.
I decided, instead, to begin (trying, at very least) to only advise people based on lessons learned from my own experiences. Any wisdom that I had been blessed with was because I had actually weathered my own storm, or rode out my own wave; these are the nuggets I would share.
If I have failed in this, I truly apologize. Because (ironically, as a lesson learned), I don’t know. I simply don’t know. The older I get, the more I realize how utterly senseless and unwise I actually am. God has taught me many things, I have made a ton of mistakes, and I have given some bad advice in my life. So now, I hesitate, but I try to share wisdom only gained through my own poor choices (or the random good ones) and personal experience.
Like the Wharton quotation so eloquently states, why would anyone listen to any word, wise or not, that has not been purified through the fire of personal triumph or failure.
So, Lisa wants to know what my “word” is.
WISDOM.
great word. it is so true…the more i’ve been through as an individual, the more i just try to listen and love, and not advise or dismiss. love you!
yes, great word. i want to be wise. maybe i will find wisdom as i soar
btw- regarding your pole, YIKES! i am a bit of a clean freak. i went with floors/carpets, but ahhh the bathroom counter, kitchen are feeling neglected. can’t i pick them all?!
I agree with you…and this quote. I find that when I give advice and it’s not based on my experience, I’m often eating my words…or just outright WRONG!
Wisdom…what a great word! I’ll have to think about what mine would be!
You know more then you think you know
Thanks for the wise words
wonderful to read this.
thanks for sharing your wise wisdom
And yet each person can go through the same experience and find a totally different set of advice to impart
God is an awesome God and I find that it best to just share the journey He is taking you on…others can glean from it what they can. I certainly gain much wisdom from other people and the life paths God has lead them down.
I think I find myself feeling much like you do – accepting how little I really do know!
(ps – I’d love to be able to respond to you via email…if you don’t know how to set that up – go to “edit profile” in your dashboard and check the box that says “show my email address” – it is easier to get to know someone that way
Thanks as always for coming by. I am glad I popped over today!)
You’re so right Sarah! I too have learned to sit back & just listen with love and just express my opinions when asked & sometimes express my passions…but, always seeking the Lord’s wisdom first.
And by the way, you have way more wisdom than you think! The way you form your words together shows us all great depth of insight!
WELL SAID! been guilty of giving unsolicited advice myself! not to mention the WRONG advice! i loved “mary@notbefore7″‘s comment…our experiences are ALL different!
I am both convicted and laughing at myself… there are times that I actually feel frustrated when people don’t take my advice! Then I take a step back and say to myself, “who do you think you are, anyway?”
It’s like my daughter Claire, said once at the dinner table… “sometimes I think, “I’m a genius!’ Then sometimes I think, ‘what do you know about it, anyway?’ ” Out of the mouths of babes!
But, I do love the necklaces… you may generate some business for your buddy here, y’know!
I, myself, have never been guilty of giving poor or unsolicited advice. Okay, that’s a lie. I do it quite often. Thanks for reminding me to keep my mouth shut about things I have not experienced.
BTW, you have a great way of putting your thoughts into words.
Love your word–wasn’t that original word post great? I plan on helping my oldest come up with a word and oredering her a necklace with her word on it. I was inspired and I like the visible reminder too.
I loved this. Truly great advise!!! (Or non-advise!!)
Now that is great advice
I’m bossy too. And I too am struggling to keep my mouth shut already…
Struggling, I said…