When Jimmy was a little boy, he wanted to be a cowboy. He spent countless hours in front of the television, watching reruns of “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza.”  He just knew that someday he would live on a ranch, wear a big cowboy hat, and ride the range just like all his cowboy heroes.
 
When he was seven years old, Jimmy said, "Dad, I want to be a cowboy when I grow up. Will you help me be a cowboy?"
 
"Sure, son," said his dad, smiling down on his little cowpoke.
 
As the years went by, Jimmy grew into a fine young man. As you might expect, he outgrew his childhood fantasy of becoming a cowboy and turned instead to girls, sports, studying, and preparing himself for a career in the business world.
 
One day Jimmy went to his father again and said, "Dad, I want to go to college and get a good education. Will you help me?"
 
His dad said, "College? Son, you can't go to college. When you were seven, you said you wanted to be a cowboy. So I bought you a ranch in Texas with 50 head of cattle!  There's no money for you to go to college. Besides, you need to take care of that ranch. It's all yours."
 
"But Dad!" said Jimmy. "I was just a child when I said that! I didn't know then what I know now! I don't want a ranch! I want an education!"
 
 
Unanswered Prayers.
 
Have you ever wondered why God doesn't answer our prayers exactly the way we want him to? Maybe it's because we're like Jimmy.  As God's children, we don't always know what's best for us. Instead of worrying about "unanswered" prayers, maybe we should be thankful God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we think He should.  If He did, we might end up like Jimmy..  with something we don’t want or need instead of what is best for us.  God knows what is best for you.   As His children we need to put our trust in Him.   When we pray we should always seek His will for the things we ask and seek His direction for our lives.
 
(a variation from unknown source)
 
 
Lord Help Us To Trust You.
 
Lord, help us to trust You and your plans for our lives.   We know that You only want the best for us.  We get our own ideas and sometimes we almost demand that you give us what we think is best.   Lord help us to realize you see the future and You know what we need to have successful and joyful lives.  When You don’t answer our prayers exactly like we desire.. help us to accept your will and your plan for our lives.