三人行，必有我师 / I will boast

A funny incident today got me thinking about how parts of myself (or more so, my behaviour) are bits of practices and habits which I have picked up from people.
I knew this, but I didn't realise it.

"I am a part of all that I have met
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move." - "Ulysses", Lord Alfred Tennyson

We've been working on a study on wisdom and I just thought about how often the wise are protrayed as hermits or persons who stand apart from others, observing the going-ons in life and distilling the essence of life's lessons. (I need to qualify this idea though; it may have been heavily influenced by Asian pugilistic dramas, because the Greek philosphers must have enjoyed sparring with one another too, isn't it?)

But one idea of wisdom which is proposed to us is that wisdom is the skill of living; practical knowledge that helps one to know how to act and speak in different situations. Now, even this is actually a very broad interpretation. But even if the sages were able to observe these nuggets of knowledge and share it with others, wouldn't it be limited, still, because it may be knowledge which is divorced from circumstances and people, which and who may be different?

So how then?

There are a number of people I hold in good or high regard, whom I have had the great privilege of walking with and learning from. But I have also begun to realise that even these very intelligent people are flawed. Where does good knowledge and complete, perfect wisdom arise from then? Especially discretion to tell whether or not something is of value or if an idea or practice is suited for someone or a situation?

I have been blessed in the community of fellow Christians who have walked with me and directed me through their own life encounters, but mostly through God's word.

So...as Paul Baloche writes,
"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom
Or let the strong man boast in his strength
Let not the rich man boast in his riches
But let the humble come and give thanks
To the One who made us, the One who saved us

I will boast in the Lord, my God,
I will boast in the One Who's worthy
I will boast in the Lord, my God,
I will boast in the One Who's worthy, He's worthy."

If you've seen my development over the years (and I do pray that you have seen growth), I give all glory to God. He's the one who has saved me and continues to redeem me to be more that I could ever be, on my own.