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When I was young I wrote a song inspired by Solomon's request for discernment. Ultimately I brought Solomon's prayer into my own voice as my own prayer and I prayed (in part), "Lord grant me wisdom . . . give me 20/20 vision."

As we head towards 2020 I certainly wish I could have 20/20 vision - being able to see perfectly all that is around me. All situations. The outcome of every option. The hidden intents between all that is said. The hidden pain beneath every smile. The hidden motives behind my own stumbling actions.

But I've come to realize that true wisdom isn't perfect vision. In fact. perfect vision isn't possible. "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror. Now I know in part." (1 Corinthians 13:12) God's greatest desire for us is not that we would see things perfectly. Rather, it is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

The idea of perfect vision crushes humility. The illusion of perfect vision fights against love. After all . . . why do I have to respond humbly when I am the one who sees everything perfectly!?! Why do I need to listen when I am the one who already knows the right answer!?! Why do I need to be gracious when I am the one who is in the right in every conflict!?!

For 2020 the thing I need most is not to see better. I need to love better. Our church. Our community. Our world isn't in need of more people who are certain of their perspective. We need more people who are willing to humbly come to one another with genuine, Jesus like love. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

And so for 2020 I pray, God, please grant me - grant us - more of a true Jesus like love growing up in us and may that change how we see everything and everyone around us. This love, it seems, is what will give birth to true wisdom.

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