Wisdom stands in the entrance to the city. City gates were a place in which courts held session, and judgements and decisions were handed out. Wisdom stands for justice and righteousness - that is, being in right relationship with God.
Wisdom is personified as a woman, who hates those who are easily led astray and are gullible.
This week as I nervously prepared to offer a service that is different from the average Sunday worship, I spent some time thinking about what we recognize as wisdom, what we see as sacred, and what we think is worth listening to. I hope that you enjoy Dr. Seuss. He was a staple of my childhood, alongside Shel Silverstein and Robert Munch, Sharon, Lois, and Bram, Raffi, Lynn Stones, and all those good artists and authors. Dr. Seuss offers a creative perspective that is not matched by many. He covered difficult topics and encouraged us to laugh at the ways adults can be sticks-in-the-mud. He celebrated creativity, diversity, careful discernment, and conversation.
Wisdom encourages all to invest in early education, to seek her from a young age.
She tells us: 17 “I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me.”
Jesus reminded us to listen to the children. Recently we have been seeking to follow these commandments - to invest in our youth.
The First Third position is a great response to the need to build intergenerational bridges, to warmly welcome young families into our flock, and to provide some resources for these families to be served in their differing needs and interests.
Alongside this step towards better support and integration for young people, there has been discussion recently about whether to have a time for all ages learning during the service. Having more children present is desired at every church I attend. But I have noticed a couple of aspects of church that can make us less inviting for families to seek out faith communities. If we take the time to nurture and encourage children, let them be their full selves, we will be reminded: children bring life and joy, movement and wonder, and a refreshing perspective.
Worship would feel more inviting to these young families if there were space for a little more liveliness and variety in our sanctuary. We have to be willing to learn and grow with these families, if we want to truly welcome them, and retain them as full, participating members of our community. Children and families have gifts to share, including wisdom. Some of the best lessons we learn at every age are ways of adapting, to be supportive and try new things, to make space for messiness, and encourage a welcome that is wider than our own needs and expectations.
The church is a place that offers service, and if we do not expect reciprocity in caring relationships with younger folks, we are not really seeking to serve them. Christ reminded us to listen to children. Wisdom tells us:
9 They are all straightforward to him who understands [with an open and willing mind],
And right to those who find knowledge and live by it. I think children and Wisdom might have some things in common! Here is Lady Wisdom, weighing in again:
6 “Listen, for I will speak excellent and noble things;
And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. 7 “For my mouth will utter truth,
And wickedness is repulsive and loathsome to my lips. Children will say uncomfortable and challenging things. Intergenerational community can be beautifully messy, and from the creative chaos there can emerge pearls of wisdom, joyous connections, and the comradery of community! The wisdom of the church is not limited to complex theology. I often hear that people get the most out of the all-ages time in a service. I agree. It has a clear message and moral, and captures our attention! Many of Christ’s lessons are simple - but we can get wrapped up in intricacies of belief, which can divide us rather than bring us together. But simple truths are freely offered by Christ: love your neighbour as yourself, the greatest commandment is love. Wisdom similarly keeps things simple and straightforward. And Wisdom, like Christ, offers simple morals I believe most people can agree on, especially children. I think embracing playfulness teaches valuable lessons. Dr. Seuss teaches morals we can use our whole life long.
I hope this is a fun service for everyone, that you were able to get something from it and enjoy the experience. I hope we can be open to wisdom from all ages, and recognize the gifts of the spirit from a diversity of perspectives. Most of all, I hope we can all open our hearts and minds to a different experience, a messier experience, and truly embrace all God’s children, in all their glory.
Amen.