When I was very young, my dad had a wheelbarrow with wooden handles. He also had a small hacksaw, just the right size for me to hold. You can probably guess what happened when my dad’s attention was elsewhere! I don’t remember his reaction – so it can’t have been that bad – but looking back I do regret what I did, even though I didn’t realise the problem I was causing at the time. What use is a wheelbarrow with only one handle?

Earlier this month, Wayne Collins, a professional house painter from South Wales, made headline news, when he upset his boss by accidentally painting the front of the wrong house. This was the eighth time in three years that he had made the same mistake. He’s been sacked a few times, but keeps getting asked back, because he does such a good job – when he gets the right house!

Also this month, Albert Ndreu from South Yorkshire, UK, accidentally set fire to his apartment, when he lit one hundred tea light candles in his lounge before leaving briefly to collect his girlfriend. He intended to propose to her, as soon as they returned. Thankfully no one was injured, and his girlfriend did say “Yes!”

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? I have. Just the other day my technology, which had been working well, suddenly developed faults that I’m still having to deal with. Frustrating, yes, but I did learn from the experience. You see, every morning, before rushing into the day, I take a few moments to be quiet and to spend time with my Creator. Amongst other things I thank Him for His presence and ask for His help with what’s on the agenda for the day. However, that particular morning, so many other things were vying for my attention that time with my Creator was brief, and I walked into the day relying on myself rather than on Him.

A wise man once said:

“Share your plans with God, and you will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 (CEV)

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