Currents September 2024

IYKYK (If you know, you know). This acronym often accompanies memes on social media. What if we change the emphasis by changing the last letter: IYKYG (If you know, you grow)? Let’s talk about HOW knowing helps you grow. 

This month’s tenet states, “We seek after knowledge and wisdom.” Regardless of how you seek and obtain knowledge, you will surely grow. Like a seedling soaking up water and nutrients, knowledge expands your views and enhances your ability to apply what you learn, which furthers your growth. Like pieces of a puzzle, the knowledge you acquire bit by bit creates and reveals grand designs of living and thinking. This knowledge can come in formal classrooms, self-guided searching, developing talents, in family work, and from your internal compass speaking so clearly that you simply know. 

Your growth comes in the application of knowledge sought and earned; pure and simple, it is wisdom. You grow in wisdom as you not only apply principles and ideas, but focus on principal ideals. You may find yourself sprouting branches of wisdom such as problem-solving, listening to understand rather than respond, learning from your own history and the world’s, and a realization that every person you encounter is worthy of respect and has something valuable to teach you. Wisdom knows when to speak up and when to remain silent and which battles really matter beyond the moment at hand. 

Another outgrowth of growing in wisdom is its connection to growing in gratitude. Wisdom recognizes the most vital things in life that are worthy of our time, efforts, and attention. You will see that growing relationships with family, friends, and heaven, along with advocating for the least of these among us is wisdom’s set of priorities.

This month our authors have covered key elements of seeking knowledge and wisdom from A to Z. Lisa sees possibilities in every new day and myriad ways to diligently seek. Shelli points out that sometimes the less-obvious truths and methods for learning reap the richest rewards, and Emily demonstrates our journey of developing knowledge as she carefully observes her granddaughter’s growth. Bethanie was so inspired she penned two articles: one detailing the exponential results of donations to Big Ocean Women, and another focused on implementing educational methods to help children reach their full potential.  

Let’s conclude with words from the Bible, a source of wisdom many cherish. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; And with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 KJV