“Thirdly, know that it is not the knowing, nor the talking, nor the reading man – but the doing man, that at last will be found the happiest man.” –Thomas Brooks
I revisit this quote during times of transition. It captures a common attribute of people I admire: answering the call to adventure. It is a concept Jordan Peterson discussed in a recent conversation with Joe Rogan, that my husband relayed to me.
Dr. Peterson said the Biblical narrative is one of sacrifice and adventure, illustrated by the overall plot, and the individual character narratives, especially those of Cain and Abel, Abraham and Moses.
Regardless of belief, these stories impart wisdom for living. One example is from the story of Moses. While working as a shepherd in Midian, he sees a bush that is on fire but not consumed. His interest is piqued. What does he do? He veers from his path to investigate. That is important. As Dr. Peterson says, we must “pay attention to the phenomenon that captures our interest.”
As a result of paying attention, Moses enters holy ground and is given his famous call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. What I find interesting is how vague the initial instruction is that Moses receives. He understandably questions how he, a shepherd, will convince Pharoh, the most powerful man, to secede. In response he receives rightful rebuke, but I certainly still empathize with his doubts and desire to know.
In times of transition, we want to ask how. We want to see the map, to know how we will get from where we are now to where we are going. But Moses wasn’t given a map for his call to adventure. He was called to trust in full.
Likewise, we are not given a map. But we are given something better: the Guide. As such, answering the call to adventure regardless of circumstance or outcome is the only way forward.
How is it relevant to us as ND/DC students? Transition is inevitable. We sit through years of classes, exams and clinic requirements. Then one day it ends. We reach the part where we must go forth and do, largely on faith, without knowing the details of the path ahead.
Understanding the call requires delicate discernment. Hence, cultivating wisdom is paramount.
I once heard a pastor say it made him sad when young adults asked him if they should take a certain job, marry a potential spouse, or move to a new town, because wisdom cannot be built in a moment. If you need it and don’t have it, it is too late. Wisdom must be formed over time, typically many years, as a daily habit.
Will you pay attention to that which captures your interest? Will you heed the call, regardless of circumstance or outcome? Will you cultivate wisdom now, to be ready when it comes? Perhaps it will be the most important thing you do.
