One of the blessings of the summertime pace is the addition of time to sit and think. During my recent times of quiet, I’ve been reflecting on a single verse. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

I have a confession — for years I had the mistaken idea that wisdom from God was some kind of mystery that was terribly difficult to discover. I thought that somehow I had to do the right things, say the right words, (in the right order) and after doing that over and over enough times then God might reveal His wisdom to me. But the truth is that God’s wisdom isn’t hidden, He doesn’t hold it close or hide it, He doesn’t wait for me to be good enough. He just promises to give it when we ask. I love the words “generously” and “without finding fault.” These words speak of God’s favor and beautiful extravagance.

So if God is not withholding His wisdom, then what is the problem? The answer is, of course, me — I am the problem. God’s wisdom is there, I am just not seeing it. I have several ideas about why this is occurring, but I think the biggest contributor to the problem is the hurried pace of my life. John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry has been particularly challenging and encouraging to me.

Therefore, one of my goals this summer is to seek the Lord in more intentional times of silence, solitude, sabbath, and time in God’s Word. I am excited to see how God uses this change of my usual pace to draw me into a deeper relation with Him and to show me His direction and wisdom both in my personal life and in the life of our school as I lead the elementary.

I am sure that God will give generously without finding fault. The challenge for me will be to continue those disciplines when the busyness of July and August hits. I am sure I will struggle as the “to-do” lists mount, but hopefully by then I will have established some rhythms and practices that will keep me on course.

Will you join me in this wonderful pursuit of God’s wisdom?