Wisdom From the Streets

In Matthew 18, we read an account of the disciples asking Jesus who the greatest in heaven is. Jesus’ response is that unless we become like children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. What an interesting response (along with so many of his). Until recently, when I thought of this account of Jesus saying to "be like a child "I thought it meant whimsical, imaginative, innocent, etc. I missed the question that had actually been put to Him. In light of the question, what Jesus is saying is that kids don’t care about ranking/who is the greatest/the most important. Young children don’t care. What a gift. They pay attention to things that matter more: how a person makes them feel, how the engage with them, etc.

As I continue to allow the Holy Spirit to re-teach me this, I realize how this opens me to be taught by many different people God sends my way. During a discussion this week, my husband said the phrase “wisdom from the streets” about a piece of advice a friend, who was unhoused, shared with me before. This phrase stuck in my brain and I’ve been meditating on what wisdom I have learned from my friends on the streets.

1. A car can always be replaced. Some of my friends have changed their cars quite frequently where I don’t know it’s them til they roll down the window. Things happen, accidents occur or the repairs aren’t worth it. No need to get tied up in my vehicle.

2. Be there for your spouse. I know this is obvious. My husband’s youngest brother passed away suddenly several years ago. I remember sharing it with my friend Bobby who has experienced deep loss. The way he told me “You need to be there for Tee Wei” resonated in a different way where I really heard him.

3. Look for God in wow moments. One of the first statements I can expect to hear from my friend Teresa is “Share with me your wow moment.” After getting used to this, I found myself looking for God on a daily/ weekly basis to be wowed by Him. I was excited to see her and share with her each time. Even as I don’t see Teresa as much, that desire to be wowed by God is still there.

I am approaching 8 years of volunteering with The Human Impact. I have heard well-intentioned, loving people describe me as one that helps the homeless–I see it differently. While yes, maybe I do help them, but my friends help me…immensely. I have been taught, encouraged, spurred on, and reminded of what is actually important. As you become more childlike in your walk of faith, stay aware in what manner God shares His wisdom with you.