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A number of years ago, I heard a sermon on the topic of wants versus needs. The woman in the minister's opening story did not get one thing that she had always planned on having, but she had everything she needed.

She had planned on marrying a young man in her career area, but she married an older man who was wise, good, and kind to her in marriage. She wanted a girl but had a boy, who grew to be a fine young man. She wanted a large plantation-style home, but enjoyed her comfortable bungalow home. And so it went.

Even though the Bible promises that God will give us the desires of our heart if we believe in Him, the Bible also makes it clear that God meets our needs, our true and genuine needs, not our unrealistic or picky desires that lack wisdom and insight. He knows better than we do what we really need and can use to our benefit.

We should all take a moment today to look back over the course of our lives and smile we you see God's loving guidance in the shaping of our lives and choices. Our unrealistic dreams and desires gave place to the solid needs and the wise choices. Where we have erred and suffered, God has been with us giving us hope for better days and better situations. He has supported us through the difficult days and rejoiced with our joy and success.

As we watch our children and their children dream and grow, we can smile as we see their desires turn to genuine delight as the Lord guides their way. We see the hardship that produces character and growth. We can nod in agreement as we see God's wisdom guide them in the ways they should go. We can trust in the love and goodness of God, always and ever.

-mary-ellen grisham