I’ve been a fan of sci-fi and fantasy stories since way back, as in a land far, far away, and all of that. I’ve always wanted to be the wizard or the Yoda-like person. It seemed remarkable to have all of that wisdom and knowledge. I didn’t realize that their ability wasn’t innate. They weren’t born with it. They learned it. And sometimes in hazardous ways. I’m thinking about a book I once read, Skin Game by Jim Butcher from the Harry Dresden series. There’s a scene where Harry goes to the nasty dude’s business. A security guard blocks him, and scowling. The kicker is when Harry says,

“Skaldi’s frown would have been intimidating if I hadn’t spent the past few days hanging out with the Genoskwa (scary Sasquatch).”

Then, Harry walks past the security knowing where he’s going because he’d been there before, which looks very wizardry. His only magic is experience.

Well, I’m Gobsmacked!

Sometimes age, wisdom, and magic look the same. Experience comes from walking the path and the solutions are mapped out in your head. Here’s my favorite line from The Mummy.

Evelyn: The map! The map! We forgot the map!  
Rick: Relax. I'm the map. It's all up here.[points to his head] 
Evelyn: Oh, that's comforting.

Sometimes the knowledge we have is overlooked. You’ve been there. You’ve done that. You have the t-shirt and passport stamp. Share your knowledge if you can. Encourage others around you. It may seem ordinary to you, but the uplifting words you say may be the words someone else needs to hear.

Bragging, Ick

I cringe when I sound like a know-it-all, and there’s always a chance that you will sometimes. We need your insights, friends require your patience and heart.

Fair warning, being knowledgeable is risky. Your boss could notice you and ask you to train a colleague. You may be of service to someone else. Thank you.