True story: Yesterday, I was at the grocery store with my kids after picking them up from school; my son actually requested a deli sandwich and some chips for a late afternoon snack, so I thought I'd treat him to his desires. When we got to the chips/pretzels aisle, I remembered that Lays has started making Kettle Cooked chips. I've always loved Kettle Cooked chips, and to get them I usually have to buy brands other than Lays or eat at a sub shop.
My FAVORITE chips are Salt & Vinegar. When I reached out and grabbed the bag of Lays Kettle Cooked Salt & Vinegar chips that was in front, it felt like it didn't have very many chips. I lightly squeezed the bag directly behind it and it felt as though its contents were greater than the first bag. So I quickly grabbed it and tossed it in the cart.
Once we got home, I made sandwiches for the kids, and let them watch one of their favorite shows while I prepped dinner. While dinner was cooking, I made a sandwich and chips for myself as well. I actually began to drool in anticipation of the turkey and swiss sandwich and Salt & Vinegar chips. I joined the kids, and bit into the first chip. It tasted extremely bland. I was confused by this. I bit into another and another and they were all lacking flavor. Are these chips faulty?? Did they forget to add the salt and vinegar during processing?? I ran to the kitchen and looked at the bag. It read "Lays Kettle Cooked Original Chips". Great.
So I even though I already had what I truly desired in my hands, I reached out and grabbed what I thought was the "next best thing" instead. I pray every evening and morning, and during reflection time before, during, or after prayer the Lord communicates to me clearly. I heard Him saying two things to me this morning:
1) If you ask Him to guide you, He will always be there with you, showing you the way. When He gives you something that you've asked for, your search is over. Stop looking for more before you've even taken the time to appreciate and enjoy what He's already given you.
2) Discernment is very important in this world. There are a lot of things that appear great on the outside or superficially. This includes people, places, etc...But once what's on the inside starts being available on the outside, you may realize that it's not at all what you thought it was initially. Let's remember to pray for discernment, especially if it's not a natural gift of yours. All that glitters isn't gold.
Labels: prayers
