And then Miyagi showed him the wisdom behind the chores -- the movements were preparing Daniel for the movements he would need to excel at karate.
Sometimes some of the things God leads us to do might make us feel like Daniel when he was washing windows and floors. We don't understand why God leads us in a certain way. It doesn't feel relevant or important. It feels like we've been put on a shelf or led in a stupid direction that will not benefit us or anyone we know.
It's not until later we understand. It's that "hindsight is 20/20" cliche (though very true).
Back on October 22 I wrote a post about breaking coffee cups and heeding God's voice about putting my son Hawk on a special diet, a diet I was reluctant to try with him.
I did this. A couple of days ago I took him off the diet. It wasn't right for him. Some may say I must have been wrong about hearing from God. That's not true. I know I did.
So why would He lead me to put Hawk on a diet that doesn't work for him?
It was a step that has led to another step I would never have taken if not for the first step.
Will this second step be what Hawk needs?
I don't know. But if not, then maybe this step will lead to the right step for him. Sometimes God leads us step by step. Taking the first step is necessary to get to the next step.
I believe in God. I know He wants the very best for my son and for all of us.
Yet, sometimes life is filled with starts and stops and do-overs. That is not an indication of failure. Often it is an indication of courage and flexibility.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2
Sometimes the search is vital to the solution.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6