Pam Padgett - teacher
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not
unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he
shall direct thy paths.
Recently I heard of an outdoor arts festival at a small town not far
from where I live. I haven't been to this town since I was a child, and
it sounded pleasant to take the dog and walk around this town looking at
the art and listening to the music.
The morning the festival started I
turned to God and told Him I was thinking of going to this and asked "But is this what You want me to do?"
I didn't hear anything so went to my computer to get information about
such things as the time the festival started and where to park. I found
out this was quite a large festival. Parking was some miles away from
the festival with shuttle buses taking people from the parking area to
the festival. Obviously large numbers of people were expected. This was not the charming little festival I had imagined. When I looked at the music scheduled, there was only one group that played a type of music I might enjoy. And there was a
warning that no pets were allowed, so I wouldn't be able to take my
dog. After getting this information, I realized this wouldn't be
enjoyable to me and decided not to go.
I went about what I typically do, such as reading the Bible, taking
the dog for a walk and to the dog park, and taking care of a few things at my house.
Later that day I was thinking
of what a pleasant day it had been and how glad I was to have not gone
to the arts festival. Then I was reminded of having prayed about going,
and was reminded of what we're told in Proverbs 3:5-6. I believe I was directed by God when getting information about the festival to see it was not the way for me to go.
My flesh can get excited with what seems like a good idea and how I imagine something will be. But God
knows what is best for me. By turning to God with my plans and ideas,
I'm spared unnecessary trouble, frustration, exhaustion, and
disappointment.