Lenten Meditations: March 5

March 5

 

“There are four things that lead to wisdom. You ready for them?”

She nodded, wondering when the police work would begin.

“They are four sentences we learn to say and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

          —from Still Life by Louise Penny

Reflection

When I reflect on these 11 words from Inspector Gamache, the main character in Penny’s mystery series, I am struck by how simple yet profound they are. What happens when I admit my imperfection of not knowing and needing help or being wrong and apologizing? Then, by doing so, what is the impact on the other person involved? Perhaps I have given that person a chance to also show their vulnerability or allowed someone to give me the gift of knowledge or assistance.

 

Prayer

Loving God, help me remember, when I appear to have forgotten, the gifts of being imperfect and admitting it.

Amen.