Unanswered Prayers

There’s an old Garth Brooks song that started running through my head the other day. Remember, “Unanswered Prayers”? It’s based on a true story in which Garth goes back home to Yukon for a high school football game and runs into his old sweetheart. Even though he was married, he longed for this other woman and felt that she was the one he should really be with instead of his wife.

But as he visited with his ex, something strange happened. She didn’t seem to be as perfect as he’d remembered and he could tell that she really wasn’t digging on him, either. So, as he walked away, he realized that God’s in charge and his wife really was the best match for him (of course, he’d later divorce his wife and marry Trisha Yearwood, but that would ruin my life lesson).

Have you ever ached for something and were destroyed when you were unable to attain it? I’ve prayed for guys. I’ve prayed for opportunities. I’ve prayed for better body parts. I’ve spent much of my life looking through my rearview instead of my windshield.

Recently, I began to consider where my life would be if I had followed those other paths that I’d tried so desperately to traverse. I had a revelation. Maybe I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing! That notion had never entered my mind! Wow, what a relief. And you know what? I’m at a pretty dang good place!

The Garth song reminded me that happiness isn’t getting what you want, but wanting what you got. God knows what he’s doing whether we understand it or not.

Thank God for those unanswered prayers.