Not taking time to understand the gift of wisdom is very much like the title of a recent publication, Three Feet from Gold. Remember: our God-given purpose comes with a unique aide: wisdom. Earlier this AM, during a Mass which was attended by a third grade class, I ask the question: What is wisdom? Interesting insights from a three year old mind: "to be wise", "to know what you are doing", "to know what is right ... and what is wrong."

The first reading today is a very clear expression of what this God-given gift is. It is a way of understanding "... and I will always be with you." While God gave each of us a mission while we are living on this earth, he may not have instilled the mission within our minds and hearts in a forceful way. We can live our life as we want, that's our free will. However, God does not send us on the mission without a game plan if we take the time to learn it, take the time to find it, take the time to understand it.

I found these words this morning from The Awakening Day website and I believe their message is worthy of a few moments reflection especially "knowing yourself is true wisdom." And, as we all know, not always and easy task. But the grace of wisdom is there for us as we dig for our own gold.

Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.