Life is a mystery. Only to the Most High can “life” truly flash by or happen quicker than the speed of lightning. To us mortals, life is a process that happens overtime and if one is informed at an early age in life about this phenomenon, one will be more equipped to understand that they must view their lives as a gift that should be delicately unwrapped; taken with stride; observed, pondered, and studied during its process. They will understand that their life is their book and they should not seek to rush it, but learn and grow as much as they can, while they can. If we all knew this truth early on, we would have been able to live purposefully for a cause; striving to maximize all opportunities and aspects of our lives. But it’s OK; God still reserves much favor and grace in our humility and acknowledgment of our not knowing.

My thoughts on this subject stems from 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” This verse means that apart from us learning from our pastors and elders, we must do our own study and research the Word for ourselves, knowing it is ultimately to please God. We must not solely rely on our teachers to feed us, but we must feed ourselves and continue to seek the truths within the Bible.

One day I pondered how this verse may be applied to not only just reading the Word, but to life in general. So knowledge and wisdom you have learned from others must be applied to your life; studied and pondered. A wise person may offer you some wisdom or ponderings, but you have to be the one to decide whether you will just listen to what they are saying, or will you go the extra mile to see how that wisdom they spoke applies to you or those around you. You can show yourself approved:

-In your marriage/relationships- learning what a true relationship is; doing research; pondering and studying other relationships to enable your own to grow

-In parenting- learning wrong and right parenting styles

-In your favorite hobby/interest- becoming the best you can be with your interests (but not making your hobbies and interests idols :] )

And in other areas of your life you can demonstrate the value of study, ponder, and evaluation.

Will you dig deeper in order to become wiser yourself in order to be approved by God? Will you study, ponder, observe, and engage your spirit and mind into higher knowledge of the Most High God; the complexities of life; your own interests and likes?

Observe, study, and ponder life- it will transform you.