James 3:13  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Don’t you just love a wonderful meal?  The enjoyment we experience as fragrant aromas fill the air building the anticipation of the delights to come.  The table is well set and the
foods presented attractively.  Think of tasting and savoring the first bite of each food and having “On my goodness is this wonderful!” moments.

Then making the meal even more wonderful is the fact that we are sharing it with family or friends.  The tangible satisfaction we experience by being together and enjoying one another’s company.  It’s easy to take that for granted, particularly when it is on a regular basis, but we are blessed by not overlooking it.

Many are the times that guests ask for the recipe of a dish Donna has made – and, many are the times when we have asked for a recipe.  Everybody enjoys good meals.  Good
recipes + good ingredients + good preparation + timely presentation = wonderful meal.  This formula is accomplished through intentionality and the development and application of learned skills.  It is not accomplished on a consistent basis by accident.

The same is true of a wise and understanding life, filled with good deeds done with humility.  Such a life requires focus and commitment.  Focus touches on the intentionality while commitment recognizes its daily requirement – like preparing a meal to eat.  It happens multiple times daily.   We must also be concerned with quality.  It is not enough
to do good deeds – although the doing of them is important.  Our faith must address the way we do them.  The humility that comes from wisdom is the “seasoning” that sets them apart.

There is such satisfaction and joy to be experienced in both the living of such a life and
for those who interact with it.  Isn’t it wonderful to be around those whose lives are described by this verse?  Seek to become like them.  Learn of them.  Ask them for their recipe!