God wants better for us than what we realize

Again, a good turnout. We also had an extra 4 volunteers along, for a total of 7 volunteers and 12 inmates. Usually it runs about 8 inmates and 2 or 3 volunteers. Currently, the extra volunteers are coming in to experience actual Yokefellow in-prison sessions. A recent training session graduated 21 new volunteers for service into Yokefellow - what a rich blessing. This is the largest graduating class in some years.

Yokefellow training includes 6 sessions which run about an hour and a half each. These sessions teach people about prison ministry and about Yokefellow prison ministry in particular. People get to meet a warden and other correction professionals. They get taught what prison volunteers can and can not do. Acceptance of other Christian denominations are encouraged, since Christians of many various denominations are encountered in jail.

The final training session is a commissioning service. Usually a local Judge will come and give a talk about the importance of prison service. Song and Prayer add to the service. Certificates of accomplishment are given out. A group graduation picture is taken.

Then, the new graduates get mentored in our operating in-prison groups. Each new volunteer is expected to attend at least 3 in-prison sessions. This helps them see Yokefellow small groups in action.

This week our topic was our desires verses God's desires. We read Proverbs chapter 2. We saw that wisdom is valued as silver.

Then I told a story. I took 2 girls to a great bike shop to buy them bikes. The bike shop was about 2 towns over and was sort of a long way from home. The girls were not familiar with the road we took, nor did they understand it was the best bike shop in the county. I figured the task would take 10 minutes, tops. Go in the store, test ride a couple of bikes, part with $450 and load them on the car rack.

But no. This bike didn't fit and that seat didn't fit and so on. Actually, one of the girls would not ride the test bike. She sat on it and rolled along using her feet, but commit to putting both feet on the pedals and parting with the safe ground. Hmmm. I thought she could ride. Her Dad and sister implied that she could. But, she wouldn't. Then her sister whispered in my ear, "If Dad were her she would ride." Hmmmm. An hour or so later, we left with no bikes.

On the way home, on a whim, I stopped at a local Kmart store. The girls were familiar with the store. Yes, the customer service replied, they had bikes. We found them in the far back of the store. The one we wanted to try had flat tires. I had trouble getting assistance. Finally a sales rep came and got a bike for us off of the high rack and after much coaxing, the girl picked up both feet (riding in the aisle) and smiled widely. I bought 2 much cheaper bikes for $240 total.

So, I keep thinking this week, why didn't the girls want the better (much better) bikes? Was it because they didn't know the store? Because it was in a distant town? Because it was our first try at shopping for bikes?

Then I thought about God. How many times do we not accept what he wants for us (for various reasons) because we want something of lesser value or worse consequences?

We all shared examples of times when we ignored God's leading and reaching for something less.