Learning Discernment…

In 2020, I had to adjust and accept my status as being medically retired as a SPED and ELL teacher. Accepting not going into a classroom after 19 years was not a smooth transition. Yes, some days were challenging but the rewards were even greater. The last four months proved to be arduous in meeting the expectations that I had committed to my students, peers and employers. When I experienced an episode in October 2019, I realized my health was affecting everyone around me. I spent 2020 learning the word “acceptance” of my condition and either move forward or wail in self-pity.

After a year of learning acceptance, I needed to make the best of my circumstances. 2021 opened many avenues as being a maker or a doer. I began enjoying the little things in life such as baking, sewing, reading, crocheting, and all things of a homemaker. I thanked my husband many times for encouraging me to seek retirement and taking my time in completing simple tasks. We babysat our grandchildren for a short period of time while their parents worked. It was a joy seeing them more since they moved closer to home.

Now that we are in 2022 I did not know where I needed to put my focus- what I needed to learn under God’s guidance. Many prayers were sent up and conversing outright with God seeking His direction. One day the word “discernment” flooded my mind, heart and soul. The word kept resurfacing on a daily basis. I researched the meaning and how it played into God’s word and plan.

http://www.merriam-webster.com: the quality of being to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving or discerning something

http://www.dictionary.com: (n) acuteness of judgment and understanding; (adj) showing good or outstanding judgment and understanding

http://www.thesaurus.com: synonyms- discrimination, insightful, astute, knowledgeable, perceptive, knowing; antonyms- ignorant, disregardful, negligent, unaware, unintelligent, neglectful

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10 KJV

My Bible’s commentary expounds upon the above verses as to “focus on what really matters- distinguish the vital and worthwhile things in life from those that are not”.

How is the research applicable in my daily walk? The familiar adages are appropriate, “Walk the walk, talk the talk.” “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” “You eat what you speak.” “Be careful with what you say. It might come back and bite you.” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” “Actions speak louder than words.”

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18:21 KJV

I am guilty in participating in gossip, not acting upon my words, and pointing out the negative in situations.

Instead my focus should be

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Romans 12:12 KJV

My words and actions should be pleasing to God yet not allowing negativity or current events destroy my thoughts and happiness. My words and actions should reflect my beliefs as a Christian showing discernment in all walks of my life. My words and actions should demonstrate judgment of when to act upon.

The filtering of discernment into my words and actions comes from my faith, study, prayer and learnings.

May you find comfort in God’s word and allow His guidance fulfill your daily path.