The Real Thing

Jacob has developed an interest in balls. Balls of all shapes, sizes, textures and colors. But, his most favorite ball is the one we least like him to have-the little red ball for Joe's track-ball mouse.

Joe mentioned tonight that we need to consider getting him a ball that is similar to the track ball, but that is NOT the track ball from the mouse. Joe often comes home from work and goes to use his computer, only to find the track-ball missing from his mouse. And let me tell you-it rolls very well.

I was thinking about Joe's request and the fact that it seems that we already have GAZILLIONS of balls floating around our house. Then I was reminded of something we all know...there is no substitute for the real thing. Kids even know the difference. Jacob wants the real tools from the garage, not the plastic ones that sing to him. Ashley wants to use my real mixer and crack real eggs, not the cheap, plastic substitutes.

This is how we all so often find ourselves in life-trying out different substitutes for the real thing. You know what I'm talking about: the fat-free cream cheese; the Walmart (fall-apart) version of something trendy; every food item in the house but the chocolate chip cookie we really wanted in the first place; the 1/2 price Harbor Freight tool instead of the one that comes with a lifetime guarantee. We find ourselves reading good books with good thoughts, but not THE GOOD BOOK. All this to only to find ourselves dissatisfied and STILL wanting the REAL THING.

If you're finding yourself hungry or yearning for something, remember to just start with the REAL THING in the first place. He will guide your steps and direct your paths. It really is a lot less hassle when you do things HIS way and with HIS blessing.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart 

and lean not on your own understanding;

 in all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths straight.