What did you dream of being when you were younger? I recall being 6 years old, gathered with my fellow kindergarten graduates sitting in the studio of WISTV, waiting to speak to Mr. Knozit (aka Mr. Joe Pinner, late local personality, weatherman, and reporter).
If you didn’t grow up in the area, Mr. Knozit hosted kindergarten graduates on his show, and he would ask various questions of the kids. It was an exciting thing to be on TV, and to meet Mr. Knozit.
When Mr. Knozit got to me, he asked me two questions-“What’s your favorite food?” and “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. The first was a swift answer-“Mash potatoes and gravy”. However, it was more of a pressure answer than a truthful one. I did like mash potatoes and gravy, but there were (and are) many things I like more. But in the pressure of the moment, sometimes you say the first thing that comes to your mind, and so it is this is how I answered.
To the second question, I answered honestly. Unlike the other boys who said they wanted to be batman or superman or a firefighter or a police officer, I told Mr. Knozit I wanted to be a truck driver. I don’t know where this fascination originated, but fascinated I was. And if I had been asked my second option (which I wasn’t) I would have said a fighter pilot (flying a Corsair F4U of course).
What did you dream of being when you were younger? I think about how God has been active in my life from the time I was a child, and how my dreams have become God’s purpose for me instead of my will for myself.
I would have never experienced life as I have if I had designed it. In fact, I doubt I would be writing this devotion for us today. I am thankful how many times Almighty God did not listen to me, my petitions, and my desires. He had better plans for me, gifting me with blessings and a testimony of Presence that would have never been by my plans and desires.
Today, reflect on the many ways the LORD has derailed your plans and expectations for God’s greater purpose for you and the people you have walked with and who have walked with you in this life. Take a moment to remember how Divine love has been revealed to you. A verse for today’s task of reflection is from the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11, ESV):
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Almighty God, may we be granted a moment to see Thy Hand’s work in our lives, encourage us in Thy Presence, and nourish us in Thy Truth, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost are One God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bonus for those interested-
The year of my senior year of High School my theme song of the year went to number one-hear it here.
Want another great truck driver song, check out the tale of Phantom 309 here.