Immediately upon graduation from high school I went to work as a teller at our hometown bank. In those days banks were not known for their high salaries but were an excellent choice for someone wanting to work while pursuing education. It was during this crucial time of learning about life and figuring out my role in things that the car buying bug bit me...big time.

I remember the frustration and disappointment when my Dad exercised the wisdom I lacked and refused to sign for the loan on my dream ride. I took him and Mom for a ride in it and showed off all its bells and whistles thinking he would be as amazed as I was. At the time, I could hardly believe my ears when he suggested it was foolishness to obligate for something that would take so long to pay off; that possibly I wasn't really settled into life as deeply as I thought. 

It took a long time for me to accept the fact that Dad was right. Little did I know that in a few short weeks I would have an encounter with God that would totally change the dynamics of life for me. Had I been allowed to purchase the newer vehicle it would have been a financial anchor I would have dragged all the way through Bible College.  It might well have derailed the plan of God for my life. 

It just makes me wonder how many times a good solid "no" has kept me out of something that I had no business being involved with in the first place.  

"Savior, like a Shepherd lead us. Thus we need thy tender care". 

Lovingly,

Pastor Richard Orrell