Recently, I came into possession of an amazing, touching, and quite large, framed print of the photo by Gregory Colbert entitled “boy reading to elephant.” When I saw it, I felt the weight of my world lifting, and a feeling of calm and happiness took its place. I smiled and continue to smile whenever I walk into my office where it now hangs directly behind my desk. It’s funny how art or music or any of God’s creations can have that effect on us.

I’ve always been fond of elephants, as was my mom. But it was dad who told me elephants were a symbol of wisdom, tranquility and love, and especially of the bonds that should exist between family and within a community. How wise of God to create a world of creatures from whom we could learn important lessons about ourselves. And so, I named my new elephant Sophie – short for Sophia, which means wisdom.

In today’s world, marred by its relentless pace, competing voices and pervasive anxieties, tranquility, especially, often seem unattainable. But over the years, I’ve learned from those who have the gift of wisdom, that peace of heart and mind – tranquility – flows from that divine gift. It’s something you feel when you are in their presence; a peace that transcends mere circumstance, a peace that comes from a discerning heart that understands the true weight of things. This is wisdom not earned through the intellect alone but is a grace bestowed upon those who seek it from God.

When we receive this gift, the first and most tangible outcome is the ebbing of anxiety. Much of our unrest stems from uncertainty and a sense of being out of control. Wisdom, however, provides perspective. It helps us to discern the necessary from the noise, the essential from the trivial. It teaches us that while we cannot control every storm, we can control our response to it, grounded in an unwavering trust in God’s plan. This understanding acts as an anchor for the soul, providing stability even when the world is in flux.

Consider the nature of decision-making. A primary source of daily anxiety is the fear of making the wrong choice. It’s a fear I have long struggled with, and one that leads to procrastination. The gift of wisdom simplifies this process. It aligns our will with God’s will, clarifying our priorities and illuminating the path forward. Decisions are no longer paralyzing exercises in risk management but acts of faithful obedience. The result is a quiet confidence, the assurance that we are walking in the right direction, guided by an infallible hand. This is not the absence of challenges, but the presence of peace as we work through them.

Divine wisdom also fosters healthy relationships, another cornerstone of tranquility. It equips us with empathy, patience, and the ability to forgive, all of which seem to be in short stead today. It helps us see others not just as sources of conflict or comfort, but as fellow travelers deserving of grace. By cultivating a wise heart, we de-escalate tension, build bridges, and experience the profound peace that comes from dwelling in harmony with our neighbors. This internal peace radiates outward, transforming our homes and communities into havens of calm – a beautiful definition of home, but hard to create and maintain without God’s help.

Ultimately, the tranquility that flows from divine wisdom is an internal state of being that the outside world cannot easily disrupt. It is the quiet assurance of purpose, the stability of a grounded perspective, and the balm of a forgiving heart. This profound peace is not a reward for a life perfectly lived, but a gift freely given to those who ask for it with sincerity and humility. In a loud and chaotic world, a wise heart is a peaceful heart, a tranquil sanctuary built upon the bedrock of eternal truth. Just remember the words of James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (1:5).