No 17 Changing Lives through Dancing

By David Earl Woodbury

Friday, April 28, 2017

Gaining Wisdom

“Wisdom comes alone through suffering.” – Aeschylus 525-456 BC

Well, that’s not too encouraging is it? But it is so true The best champion dancers have worked and trained for many years to get to the top. As with any athlete, they have gone through wins and losses, sickness and injuries, and also great triumphs. Yes, there is a great price to pay for wisdom and success.

When God asked Solomon what he desired above all other things, he replied, “Give me wisdom and knowledge so I may lead my people”. Solomon was wise, for he knew wisdom was the greatest of all riches.

2 Chronicles 1

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”- Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) 16th President of the United States

Along with Solomon’s wisdom came great riches and great power. Even though Solomon was warned to not turn away from God, he did so. The power overtook his believe and faith.

1 Kings 11

I have had power, riches, and knowledge. I found all those things to be nothing when it came to dealing with death and loss of loved ones. All I had, all I knew, and all I was could not help keep the angel of death away from the ones I loved. I realized that we bring nothing in with us and we take nothing with us as we leave life.

Now when writing about wisdom, I don’t think I know all about life. I know the basics. My goal is help, inspire and mentor others in life. Whether it is through dance, faith, career, relationships, or helping someone find their purpose in life. If I can just guide others in the right direction, and give them the tools to stay on the right paths for their lifetime, I think that is good.

“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, in prosperous circumstances, would have lain dormant.” – Horace (65-8 BC) Roman Poet

I would love, especially at 61 years old, to now avoid adversity and stress and problems, but that just ain’t going to happen. I realize that a diamond is only truly formed after extreme pressure over a long time to that little piece of coal. I now welcome the ‘refiner’s fire’ and I know that each day will bring challenges.

“An army of sheep led by a lion would defeat an army of lions led by a sheep.” – Arab proverb

Life does not work like Amazon One-Click ordering. You see it on line, click Amazon Prime, and have it the next day. That instant gratification is truly for an army sheep. I want to be the lion leading others to victory in their lives.  I just have to remember to embrace every challenge, every trial, count every blessing, and cherish all the good things in life.

Thank you for reading!

David Earl Woodbury

davidearlwoodbury@gmail.com

Keep on Dancing!