Wise guy, that Solomon

I was reading 1 Kings 5 today and was struck by King Solomon’s perspective on seasons, resources, time management, associations and alliances.

He wrote in a letter that his father, King David, had always wanted to build a new temple but was never able to as there were always wars to fight and his people to defend. Solomon recognized that God had given him a season of peace and that this now could be the time to build the temple.

He thought both about what time he was living in, but also held the long term perspective on those who paved the way before him and those who would benefit from what he could leave behind. He made alliances with neighboring rulers that proved to be reciprocal relationships and brought enduring peace by thinking not only of his kingdom’s needs, but what might be beneficial for his allies. Solomon saw the enormous task ahead of him, took a deep breath and got to work figuring out the best way to accomplish it, one step at a time. Without micro managing, he allowed his skilled work force to know all the plans and vision and trust managers to do their job in seeing the vision to fruition. That way, it would be carried on, even after he was gone.

Of course, this also reminded me of the Proverb that talks about how a little slumber and folding of hands can lead to poverty. As I have been in this season of rest between assignments, I have found myself pondering rest and the many manifestations rest can take (and the many it does take in my life). Working on a balance so I am not idly resting, but taking advantage of the calm to rebuild what was lost in previous battles. Restoration. And then building upon new foundations for the journey that lies ahead. Rejuvenated.

Solomon knew what he was talking about. 

Ah, for such wisdom.