Hide and seek wisdom?

Wisdom 7:7-14

          I have been to a number of wakes and funerals as of late. I see the pain and anguish that resulted from the long suffering illnesses and then the relief of the loved ones. They are relieved of watching their beloved suffer and at the same time feel the intense loss of that loved one. No where in any of the scenarios that I saw were people concerned with anything material. They were rightly focused on loss and the love of their relationships.

          At a wake the other evening there were poster boards full of pictures, a growing trend along with video loops of pictures splashed on a big screen adjacent to the casket. The pictures last night showed this gentleman in pictures with things that meant a great deal to him, things he enjoyed. Eating, boating, golfing, country club, family. I am sure they all enriched his life but I am also sure that the family would part with any and all of it just to have him back in their arms.

         I began to think again about how we must appreciate everything in our lives. Surely be thankful for whatever material things you have been graced with but most important of all is the people in your life. More important than jewels, gold or any material thing. People and the love we share is more valuable than anything. To appreciate that and to celebrate it and live it daily is true wisdom.

         One of the life examples I am always drawn to when I think about appreciation and material versus true happiness is Christina Onasis. Money surely did not bring her happiness or true love.  Money seemed only to torment her. Perhaps something to remember when we pray to win the lottery.

          Another example of what is important at this time is the obits I read. How many times have I read about "a lifelong friend" or worse, no mention that the person was gay. It's as if the relationships, love and what is such an integral part of their lives and who they were did not exist. As much as I loath a one dimensional view of our community, that someone would be defined by only being gay, it pains me to see such an important aspect of our lives and love summarily dismissed. How horrible to be in a closet in life and then into death. 

        Like Tevye,  who knows what is most important in life but laments that it would be no sin to have wisdom and wealth, we should strive for the wisdom of accepting who we are, reveling in the love, fellowship and relationship we are all called to live and appreciate.

Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;
I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to sceptres and thrones,
and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.
Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,
because all gold is but a little sand in her sight,
and silver will be accounted as clay before her.
I loved her more than health and beauty,
and I chose to have her rather than light,
because her radiance never ceases.
All good things came to me along with her,
and in her hands uncounted wealth.
I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom leads them;
but I did not know that she was their mother.
I learned without guile and I impart without grudging;
I do not hide her wealth,
for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals;
those who get it obtain friendship with God,
commended for the gifts that come from instruction.