Knowing it all

When I was younger, I was impressed - even intimidated - by those people who were self-confident and “had it all figured out”.

The older I got, the less impressed, and intimidated, I got.

First I realized that nobody has it all figured out. Everybody is making it up as they go along. Some just do it with a boldness that makes them appear as if they know everything. Some people call them leaders.

Eventually I realized that the real wise people…the ones I wanted to learn from, didn’t speak first or loudest. They were the ones that listened and reasoned and asked questions before they spoke. Often these people didn’t speak until asked, and I noticed it was at those moments I needed to pay attention because what was being said was valuable.

Today I feel sad for those people who have it all figured out. Or at least those that act like they do. Now I am impressed by the ones who admit they don’t know it all, and are ongoing students of life.

My mom always reminded me God gave me one mouth, but two ears. Translation: I should listen twice as much as I speak.

Vulnerability is strength. Knowing when to speak, and when not to, is key.

“The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Proverbs 18:17