My aunt used to make the most amazing barbecue sauce…the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with just the right amount of kick. It set off her already perfect barbecue ribs, chicken or whatever she threw on the coals to be doused in her sauce.

During her final week here on earth, she wanted to make one last barbecue. She sent me to her grocer to pick up all of the ingredients. When I returned, she put together her “secret sauce”. Instead of staying in the kitchen to watch how she mixed the ingredients together, I went about my own way…

To this day, I can’t get the right combination together to replicate her sauce or even come close. Had I just stayed in the kitchen that day, asked for the recipe, and been ready to listen….I may have learned her secret recipe.

This story reminds me to eagerly seek and get wisdom while it can be found, as God’s Word encourages us to. Often times that counsel may come in the form of a person, who as my grandmother would tell us, “has lived a lot longer”. However, our primary source of wisdom comes from the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 2:6). To receive such wisdom, we have to humbly accept that we don’t know everything, position ourselves to receive such counsel, and be willing to receive it – even if it’s not what we want to hear…seizing every opportunity to learn from those that have gone before us.

“One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts.”

-Psalm 145:4

Secret Recipe for Wisdom:

(thoroughly tested and approved)

Stay: Take advantage of every learning opportunity. It’s worth it.

“She has a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said….Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

-Luke 10:39, 41 NIV

Ask: If you don’t know, ask!

“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. “

-James 1:5 NIV

Be Ready: Be open and receptive to hear.

“So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ “ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”

-1 Samuel 3:9 NIV

For the secret ingredient, check out Proverbs 1. Enjoy!

Forever Grateful,

J