We were babysitting the grandkids one evening. Our little nine-month-old Kasey was already sound asleep, while 3-1/2-year-old Josef was happily playing, enjoying himself past his bedtime. I asked Ken to give the Aaronic blessing to signal his time of rest. “Josef, let’s calm down now. I will give you a blessing,” putting his hand on Josef’s head. “I don’t want a blessing!” Josef protested. “Why?” I asked. “I want to be smashed!” he replied, mimicking the old Whac-a-Mole game.
Just like Josef, we sometimes desire things we don’t understand. We resist what we need—often appearing to be boring, but significantly important—because of our overpowering want—the emotional hype of temporary positivity. Let’s think twice before we make a choice, so that we can pick the best one and experience true fulfillment.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
