You Don’t Have To Settle For Second Best!

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven…’ I would kneel at the bedside as a four-year old with Mum, reciting the Lord ’s Prayer. The image of the immortal, invisible Creator, became indelible in my spirit.

I was an only child, and my mother would often take me on holiday to her sister’s house. I was considered an addition to my aunt’s family of six and we established a close bond. After completing school, I studied towards my Bachelor’s degree. My cousins, who were also at university, observed me with another student one day. Considering the relationship not in my best interests, my parents removed me from campus and sent me to relatives in another town.

I enjoyed being with their large families. However, days turned into weeks, but no mention was made of my situation. Our teachers used to advise us never to forgo our education and get married. Education would equip us to face future challenges like divorce. Marriage was not the solution to avoid school.

There was a gnawing at my spirit, ‘You don’t belong here. This is their life, their home. What’s going to happen to you?’ I yearned to return to university and complete my degree. But how could I, when my mother was furious with me? I didn’t know if she’d allow me back home. I had retaliated to the treatment meted out to me by family, so I wasn’t in anybody’s good books.

One night, I prayed, “God, if you don’t take me home tomorrow, I’m going to walk on the freeway.” I slept peacefully after threatening the Maker of the universe. The next morning was pleasant, with my little nephews delighting me with their antics. I don’t remember a knock, but there stood my Dad, with his motorbike parked outside. “You wanna come home, Rose?” he smiled.

After taking leave of my cousin, I rode home with my Dad. He took the old back road through hills and valleys. The white centre markings on the road whizzed by as the sun filtered through the tall pine trees and the dandelions on the roadside cheered us on that glorious morning.

In His infinite grace, the God I had known as a four-year old, had answered my rather unconventional prayer. God enabled me to attain my degree and restored my relationship with my family and in time I married that student.

Reminiscing about that memorable ride, I wonder what my last ride will be like. As I have accepted Jesus as my Saviour, who loves me and died on the cross to pay for my sins, I know my last ride will take me to His home in heaven. I sincerely encourage you to do likewise and ensure that your final ride will be to heaven.

Read the full Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.

https://biblehub.com/context/matthew/6-9.htm

Rose. R.

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