In Others' Words: Common Sense

"Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes."

 ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson, poet, essayist and philosopher

There's a lot to like about my friend Terri. Back when we lived in the same town, she got up every morning and made her two boys breakfast. Instead of making me feel guilty about serving my kids cereal, she just explained it was another way to love on her sons. And I could love my kids by feeding them cereal--that was fine too. 

Terri also knows how to laugh--I can hear it echoing in my heart even now--and she knows how to assess a situation and see what needs to be done and then "git 'er done."

The thing I admire most about Terri is that she overflows with common sense--and she doesn't mind sharing. When we were both involved with women's ministry, she was the one who figured out how we'd feed 100 women during an overnight retreat--and made it look effortless. I just stood back and did whatever she said. Her decisions were a thing of beauty--truly. Genius in action. I decided it was okay that I wasn't a fount of common sense. I was blessed to just follow her lead.

Do you share your common sense with others? Or have you been helped by someone else's "genius in working clothes?" I'd love to hear your story!

What Do You See?

Photo by stock.xchange.com/trolf

"As we grow old, the beauty steals inward."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet & essayist

I love the contrast in this photo: age and youth, both enthralled with the other. And who is to say what holds the greater beauty? The wide-eyed innocence of new life or the experiences and wisdom hidden behind wrinkles and gray hair?

Did Emerson get it right? When you see yourself getting older, do you think, "How beautiful?"