“What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” - Rick Warren
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. Pouring over the text, looking at the illustrations, he simply sought his daily wisdom.
One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"
The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house.
Papa laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.
This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.
The boy one last time went scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!" "So, you think it is useless?" Then Papa simply whispered... "Just take a look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was completely different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was now clean, just like new. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out.
“I may not be where I want to be but thank God I am not where I used to be.” - Joyce Meyer
This little boys question poses an interesting question. Do we still do something when we don't understand how it benefits us or remember what we learn from it?
In my life I can think of a few things that I have done, but didn't understand it or see a point in continuing to do them. Some of those things are a means to achieving a goal. They are stepping stones I need to achieve the goals I have. I don't let it worry me that I am not quite where I want to be in my life yet. I am enjoying the journey that I am on and learning from what I experience. I find solace when I read the bible and listening to my mother's advice. I think being open to change and having a willingness to change helps me to be a calmer person and satisfied with my life.
Are you satisfied with your life or can you think of a few things within your reach that would make you happier with your journey in life?
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