A text from my oldest brother confirmed that a tree that stood in front of our parent’s home for more than 50 years was taken down today. In my head, I know it’s for the best. It suffered damage from various storms over the years. However, over the past few weeks, it became a potentially serious safety issue. And since prudence prepares, it had to come down. As for me, it means my favorite childhood hiding place, lookout perch, and reading spot is gone.
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12 NLT
Simpletons Suffer
Each year, we hear about people perishing or suffering serious injuries from taking dangerous selfies. Long before the days of cell phones, I had the opportunity to take a picture of my oldest child in my favorite tree. Even then, my mother, the prudent one, held onto her grandchild because prudence prepares for the foreseeable dangers.
Prudence Prepares
It’s wise to know when to take precautions. Because ignoring or delaying preparations could have deadly consequences. I love the practicality and wisdom in the book of Proverbs. This book has served many different roles for me over the years. It was a parenting manual, a marriage guide, and a financial planning tool. It helped me understand the importance of seeking counsel and leaning on God’s understanding. Proverbs has 31 chapters, which makes it easy to read one per day throughout the month.
In an age when it seems ‘common sense isn’t common,’ as my Big Mama used to say, perhaps reading through Proverbs is worth trying out for the summer. In the very first chapter of the book, we are told the purpose of Proverbs;
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:2-6 NLT
Though I mourn the loss of my favorite childhood tree, I cherish the memories I made and lessons learned while perched on those branches. It was a reliable friend when I needed a tangible refuge. May we learn to be prudent and be prepared. May we glean wisdom from reading God’s word. For He is our most reliable Friend, who will always be there for us.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ask God to reveal an area or situation that needs your attention before it’s too late.