“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15

Note: We bought a motorhome about two weeks ago and took it for our first camping trip last Thursday and Friday night. It was a short trip, but God taught me a lot.

Sometimes you have to get beat over the head in order to *finally* realize that someone else knows more about it than you do.

Sometimes all it takes is getting beat over the arm.

Let me explain.

We loaded up our new motorhome last Thursday to take our first camping trip to a State Park about 21/2 hours away from where we live.

As I put everything in its place just prior to leaving on our short trip, I placed the television and DVD player into its spot on the bunkspace above the cab of the vehicle, directly over the driver’s seat.

My wife quickly informed me (especially since SHE was planning on driving as I pecked away on my laptop) that I should put the television on the ground during the drive there, because it could easily fall off because it was front heavy and we would be turning a lot.

I laughed her advice off as silly. I mean, the television was very heavy (as I would soon be able to attest!) And wouldn’t be falling off during THIS trip. Un uh. No way. Not going to happen.

So we started on the 21/2 hour drive with the television firmly positioned about two feet above our heads.

I’m sure you know where this is headed.

About midway through our drive to the campsite, my wife turned a curve (very slowly, I must admit) and in a flash that television set came tumbling down. I reached out to try to catch it (what was I thinking?) And it smashed into my arm on its way to the floor.

I ended up with a nice scratch on my arm. And a matching bruised ego.

My wife had given me wise counsel, and I had laughed it off thinking that I knew better.

Luckily, the injuries were minor and the television worked fine once we got to the site.

You know, every day God gives us counsel. He does it through His Word. He also does it through the Holy Spirit. God speaks through messengers, and He sometimes even uses circumstances to guide and direct us.

The question is: do we listen and heed, or do we try to do things our way, in our strength, with our plan?

It’s no wonder that we stay bloodied and bruised most of the time.

Christian, what is God speaking to you about today? Be honest, because you likely know something specific today that He has been dealing with you about.

What is He telling you? Is there some warning? Some advice? Some direction? Some plan that you just haven’t been willing to do HIS way?

The Bible is clear: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)

Take some time this morning to take that television down like He told you to.

It will keep you from getting hurt later this afternoon when things start to fall.

Have a “Wonderful DAY in Christ,” Jimmy D. Brown beacon@arkansas.net

(To access the entire “Camp Stories” devotional series, please click here.)