Wisdom

Wisdom is knowledge, understanding, experience, discretion, and intuitive understanding, along with a capacity to apply these qualities well towards finding solutions to problems. It is the judicious and purposeful application of knowledge that is valued in society. To some extent the terms wisdom and intelligence have similar and overlapping meanings. The status of wisdom or prudence as a virtue is recognized in cultural, philosophical and religious sources. (Wikipedia)

So. There are a few things I've learned in this life. I know that the ripe old age of 33 is not typically one thought of as "wise" but Wisdom isn't a destination...it's something you (hopefully) add to daily and apply to your life.

1. Parenting is not "black and white"-and the only perfect parent is the one who doesn't have children. There are so many gray areas in parenting.Things that you don't know how (or even if) to discipline because it's not technically against God's law or man's. Sometimes it's just plain annoying or has a tinge of disrespect. Before you become a parent it all seems so simple-so straight-forward. Then, reality smacks you in the face. Before I had my children...I knew all the answers I'm embarrassed to say. There are so many variables in real life though.

2. Keep your mind (at least partly) closed but your heart open. If your mind is too open you never know what will get in (and while some of that is good...there are some things that shouldn't be allowed into your mind-because you can never get rid of it). Your heart however...should never be closed! When someone hurts you learn from it, and even guard your heart. But never close it. You could miss out on the best God has to offer you if you have closed your heart because one person hurt you.

3. Don't waste time regretting. We all make mistakes, but they become part of who we are. As long as you learn from the mistakes/choices and don't make the same ones over and over again...it's usually worth it. Most times the things worth regretting are the things we didn't do. Stay true to your moral beliefs and live life.

4. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Yeah, that one is not mine-originally. But if we all do this, it's just gonna make a better place to live!

5. Say "I'm sorry", "Bless You" and "Thank You". It's just worth it. It doesn't take much and sometimes it means the world to someone.

I hope I learn a lot more in the years to come. I know some of the lessons will be learned in pain. Some will be learned by watching...Hopefully not too many at the expense of my children ;)