Your Own Wisdom Will Increase

"I believe that when you discuss the trials and joys of the spiritual life for the sake of your friendship with God, you will benefit yourself and whomever you are sharing them with. Your own wisdom will increase, and without even knowing how you did it, you will contribute to the wisdom of your friends." Teresa of Avila, The Book of My Life (1562)

Well, we made it! Today is my 53rd birthday, and The Wisdom Project will be complete after my prayer report on Friday.

When I started this experiment, one year of reading, writing and praying seemed like a formidable commitment. I wondered if I would have the ability to keep the steady pace required all year long. Not only have I been keeping up with the reading, writing and praying each week, but I have found myself blessed by doing these activities. It has been a life-changing project.

On Sunday I spent some time re-reading entries, and I remembered some of the trials and joys of the past year: my prayer chair, a young man carrying groceries, fresh blueberry pie, dipping my bucket on dry-well days, Amelia the puppy, zipping through St. Scholastica’s cloister walk, Cheryl Husby’s prayer mugs, returning to the word, balcony companions, coffee, caramel rolls, transient global amnesia, Holy Mystery, praying on paper, Charlotte’s wisdom gift, the harbor of light in soaking prayer, ringing bells for 35 seconds, the earth’s hush on a snowy day, and Sister Timothy Kirby’s lovelovelove.

Last year I was inspired to begin The Wisdom Project and started with these words from Teresa: “I believe that when you discuss the trials and joys of the spiritual life for the sake of your friendship with God, you will benefit yourself and whomever you are sharing them with. Your own wisdom will increase, and without even knowing how you did it, you will contribute to the wisdom of your friends.” Now my heart is overflowing with gratitude to God, to Teresa and to all my dear friends who have read, prayed and shared wisdom with me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!