Inuit Elders

I recently read an article in an AARP magazine that caught my interest. I cannot believe I’m admitting not only that I receive this publication but I place it in my bathroom as desired reading right along with Talbots and J Jill. I have since asked them to drop me from their mailing list and take a hike, but at this particular time, they were still in my good graces.

The article was The Pressure to be Wise by Margaret Atwood. In it she talked about Inuit Elders who live in the Arctic. She said, “…You can’t become an Elder just by getting old; it’s a title bestowed by others. You never push your advice, but you offer it if asked. …When an Elder speaks, people listen. But Elders don’t speak often. An Elder knows what to do in times of difficulty. Elders acquired that knowledge by having endured hard times before. “

As wise as they are, with all that knowledge based on vast experience just packed into their brains, isn’t it amazing they don’t share it unless they’re asked? Like wouldn’t they want to save someone the trouble of messing up like surely they did? Save them from reinventing the wheel? They must pack a real punch when they finally open up and let her rip. Inuit Elders will probably outlive me by 20 years with all the breath they’ve saved by not speaking until asked.

Something recently happened in one of my sons’ lives about which I had an opinion. But then I always have an opinion. They would fall over dead if I ever said, “I have no idea what you should do.” Of course I know what they should do. I’m the mom.

This morning, as I was praying, a verse of scripture did not come to mind. Nope, this morning, the article about the Inuit Elders came to mind. No doubt, it had God written all over it telling me to remember the Inuit Elders. Do not offer advice unless you’re asked. Then he will listen.

And the reason this is true is because there has to be a need. For most people, only when there’s a need do they truly listen. Isn’t that true with our kids? They receive a constant barrage of advice, but only when there is a real need do they really listen. Before that, they have just acquired information. It may be great information. We pour so much of God’s Word into our kids, they are so saturated, they slosh when they walk. But when the need arises, the Holy Spirit begins to bring up information from that vast library we’ve placed within our children. He picks the right verse, makes it applicable and drives it home. They listen.

As Christians, we sing all the right songs, quote a myriad of Bible verses, say all the right things, but only when there is a deep heartfelt need, are we planted before the throne with a different attitude, our mouths shut, our ears open. That confident smirk has been wiped off our faces and humility has taken its place because we do not have the answers. We are listening.

When I finally reach an all time low and find I am not all I need, I do not know how to fix it, I have no more ideas…but I’m played out and humbled by my inadequacies, I find God. This is right where He wants us…totally dependent on Him. Only then do I really listen to Him or his Inuit Elder.

If I'm to play that role, I'd better run my lines by the Father so if asked, I will not shoot from the hip with my own opinion but only say what I’m specifically told to say by Him. And His words never begin with, “Are you nuts?”

That is why He gave me lead time. But you know, I may not be asked. Probably won’t…which is also good because it points me to the throne to pray. God is much better than I am at getting precisely the point across He needs to make at this moment in time.

Believe. Trust. Wait. Tough words for moms…but so wise.