Prudence is heedfulness. Prudence is intentionality with reasoned wisdom. Prudence asks us to give something of ourselves.
Just when we think we have our ducks in a row, along comes some erratic unpredictable weather to reminder us of what little control we have over life.
My goal was to pay no attention to the calendar, January or June, doesn’t matter, just chill out and surrender. Lay down control. I reminded myself there is no pressure to start a new year with resolutions or enter a new season with prophetic words of wisdom for the months ahead.
And yet … this word ‘Prudence’ kept popping up unprompted.
The word ‘Prudence’ has a host of meanings … wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; frugality; forethought; and heedfulness ~ I particularly like heedfulness as a meaning as it contrasts with the cliché of mindfulness. Where mindfulness may be living intentionally; Prudence is intentionality with reasoned wisdom.
The word of 2023 was ‘Resilience’ but resilience was hard work. Resilience was getting up again and again after battering storms. We achieved much in 2023 but it was exhausting in ways that it need not have been. We put pressure on ourselves to “get over” the Covid years as quickly as possible, but this did not make room for the feelings that came up as we tried to clear ourselves from overwhelm.
If we are to learn anything from the last few years, it is how to negotiate change with wisdom.
Yes, the fresh wind of the Spirit will blow away the weariness that comes with things we can’t control, but the Spirit will also bring us WISDOM. “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) It is the Spirit who helps us find simplicity and sustain balance, who clears the pathway of overwhelm that clutters our mind, and who brings us forward-planning strategies.
It is prudent to seek wisdom, it is prudent to be heedful, and it is prudent to plan ahead. Last week I read ‘Going into the new year without a plan is like going into space without oxygen’. The song, Dear Prudence, kept playing in my head. In the song, John Lennon beckons Prudence to come out of the paranoiac tendencies of self-reflection and play where ‘the sun is up, the sky is blue and it’s beautiful’. As I said, I had not planned to think about 2024, but I inevitably stopped and enquired … Lord what are you telling me about prudence?
Prudence asks us to give something of ourselves.
We are called to walk with the unforced rhythms of grace into the world, make disciples of all Nations, and lean not on our understanding. Prudence does not rely on our strength and knowledge but trusts the Lord’s reasoned wisdom.
Prudence requires the discipline of oneself. Prudence takes into account the ‘supernatural good’ and discerns the innermost thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Prudence asks us to leave behind self-centred independence and embrace an interdependent world filled with wonder and beauty.
It seems a lot to ask but take a deep breath. Focus on the word ‘trust’.
Be prepared for the moment when the Lord’s wisdom seems unreasonable!
May we all walk into 2024 in the slipstream of God’s wisdom and prudence.
