BE Smart

The month of November has been themed around the “4 BE’s:” Be Positive, Be True, Be Smart, and Be Grateful.  This week I would like to focus on a highly treasured and cherished “BE:” Be Smart.

Not long ago I saw a quote that made me stop and think.  It went like this: “Tell a man there are trillions of stars in the universe and he’ll believe you.  Tell him there’s wet paint on the wall, and he’ll touch it just to be sure.”  Aren’t we all a little bit like this?

After a recent medical procedure, a very capable doctor explained to my friend what he needed to do to recover.  Like many of us, as a patient, he did not have much patience.  Consequently, he decided to expedite the healing process by undertaking his own internet search.  He had expected to discover truth of which his doctors were unaware or had tried to keep from him.

It took a little while before he realized the irony and foolishness of what he was doing.  Of course, researching things for ourselves is never a bad idea.  But he was disregarding solid truths he could rely on, and instead found himself being drawn into the often-outlandish claims of internet lore.  Sometimes, the truth is so straightforward, so plain, and so simple that we foolishly choose to ignore it and fail to appreciate its great value.

I love the story of the foolish bird who traded his feathers for worms.  Initially, the bird was proud of his bright idea- it was much easier to get food that way, and surely he had plenty of feathers to spare.  For some time, the bird enjoyed not having to get up early to hunt for worms; he could sit in his nest all day and never have to move a muscle.  Eventually, however, cool weather arrived, and all the bird’s friends prepared to fly south for the winter.  To his horror, the foolish bird realized he could no longer fly because he had lost his vital feathers.

Being smart is so much more than having brain power!  Smart is an action word, constantly urging us to press onward and be wise.  If we are foolish, we may be content with the path of least resistance, trading our feathers and good health for a morsel.  We might also ignore simple truths, reaching out to touch the wet paint, and being too prideful to listen to sound medical advice.  It doesn’t matter how intelligent or brainy we are- if we never exercise our mind and practice wisdom, we will never reach our full potential.

Start by asking smart questions,

• Does my life have meaning?
• Are my efforts leading me to reach my goals and my highest potential?
• Am I happy?
• Am I a good person?
• Do I believe in God? Do I believe He loves me? Does He hear and answer my prayers?

Profound questions such as these have led many people to seek understanding and practice smart behaviors.

We live in a world of opportunity. The sky is the limit. You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Particularly, pay no attention to what others might say to demean you.  Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you.  Love life and look for its opportunities.  Do this, and forever and always you will be smart.

Thanksgiving is only 1 week away and I have 1 more delightful side dish to share with you- Roasted Brussels Sprouts.  Unlike other Brussel’s sprouts, these babies are bursting with rich and cozy flavor.  Enjoy!