Summer → Teeth → Wisdom → Solomon

Have you ever played that game where someone says a word, and the next person quickly says the first word that comes to mind? You keep going until someone can't think of the next word.

If someone asked me to play using my summer, it would probably go something like this:

This has definitely been the summer of teeth in our house.

It started with routine dental cleanings for everyone. Then came orthodontist appointments for both girls. My 9-year-old was convinced she was finally getting her braces off. We went in for her retainer scan only to hear, "Not ready." A few weeks later we went back, and this time she was finally ready. Which, of course, meant scheduling another appointment for the actual retainer scan.

In the middle of all those ortho trips, our 15-year-old started complaining that the back of her mouth hurt, and her retainers suddenly felt tight. Wisdom teeth. Back to the dentist we went. Sure enough, all four needed to come out. Thankfully, they were able to get her in quickly.

Watching her recover made me realize how much things have changed. When I had my wisdom teeth removed a "few" years ago, I was awake for the whole procedure. I remember raising my hand more than once because I needed more Novocain. Then came the swollen cheeks, soft foods, and breath that could clear a room.

My daughter slept through the whole thing. She came home with ice packs on her face, took her medicine, and spent the next few days rotating between naps, smoothies, yogurt, and applesauce. I'd say she got the better deal.

The word wisdom made me think of Solomon. When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for anything, Solomon didn't ask for things, control, or a long life. He asked for wisdom. Specifically, he asked for a discerning heart so he could lead God's people.

Last spring, a friend and I completed a Bible.com reading plan called Divine Wisdom: Principles for Modern Living. One sentence stood out to me so much that I wrote it in my journal:

"...wisdom enables us to apply what we know in a discerning and godly manner."

I've been praying that daily, asking God to give me wisdom so I can use what I know in a discerning and godly way.

Reading the Bible gives us knowledge. Wisdom is living it.

Applying the truth about forgiveness, kindness, patience, generosity, and trusting God when someone hurts us, life doesn't go as planned, or we're faced with a difficult decision is so hard! That's when we need the kind of wisdom Solomon wanted, and it's the kind of wisdom I want too.

The braces are coming off in two weeks, both kids will be in retainers that fit, and one kid is down four wisdom teeth. The dental part of this summer will eventually be over. But I'm hoping the wisdom sticks with me.

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong..."1 Kings 3:9

P.S. If you're looking for a short Bible reading plan, I highly recommend Divine Wisdom: Principles for Modern Living on Bible.com.

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Make Monday Matter is my weekly Christian devotional where I share reflections on faith, running, and the small ways God shows up in everyday life.