SNAP DECISION

"It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty
and miss the way."  Proverbs 19:2

      When the Lord told me to start looking for a home to buy after renting for two years, I was excited at the prospect.  The Lord also said, "Do not make any hasty decisions: pray about it first."  I spent a few months searching all the surrounding areas for a suitable place to live where I could write in a peaceful atmosphere.

      One day I decided to check out The Farm, which is like a mobile home park except that it is located on sloping hills with a rural atmosphere.  I went to a real estate company that specialized in properties there.  I found a darling mobile home and had my son, John, look at it with me.  He thought it was nice but did not like the entrance, which was a considerable distance from the garage.  "Someone could hide in the dark area between the garage and the long walk to the house," he remarked.

      I totally ignored his warning and put a down payment on the property.  During the night I woke up in a panic!  John's words of warning were running through my mind.  I got up and paced the floor.  I knew I had made a mistake.  Needless to say I didn't sleep the rest of the night.  By morning I was asking myself how I got into such a dilemma.  Then I recalled God's words to me about not making a hasty decision and praying first.

      I was too embarrassed to tell anyone what I had done, but at the same time I was desperate for prayer support.  So I called my friend Shirley saying, "You won't believe what a dumb thing I did yesterday.  Would you pray for me? "  I told her the details and she prayed with me, that I would get my deposit back without any trouble.  I was so thankful that she didn't tell me how stupid I had acted, making a decision on impulse.  After her prayer, I felt assured that everything would turn out all right.

      At eight o'clock I called the real estate office and told them I had made a mistake.  They graciously agreed to return my deposit.  I thanked them and said I  was sorry for causing any trouble.  I gave a big sigh of relief as I tore up the deposit check.

      A few weeks later I decided to look at property in Sun City.  Driving around different areas, I was startled to find some senior houses without a front door!  I said, "Whoever heard of a house without a front door?"  It just didn't seem right.  Then I thought, am I too old fashioned and out of touch with progress?  Maybe so, but I determined that I would not live in a house without a front door.

      Then I met Judy, a realtor in Sun City.  She showed me a cute little house with roses blooming in the front yard.  I fell in love with the place.  It was decorated in colors which matched my furniture perfectly, even down to the carpeting.  The open kitchen and family room were ideal, complete with a fireplace.  I looked out at the gravel back yard and thought, that can be replaced with lawn and flower beds later on.  Judy said, "Do you want to call John to come and take a look?"  I said "No, that won't be necessary.  I want to buy this house.  It's perfect."

      Now, one year later, I am looking for a home again.  Looking back, I see why I should have prayed before buying the cute little house in Sun City.  Problems surfaced soon after moving in.

      You see, the house has concrete slab floors and I'd never lived in a house with slab floors before.  My legs have ached ever since I moved in here.  I tried different shoes to no avail.  With a history of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the veins of the legs, I should have known better.

      I had to admit I made a big mistake in buying this house without praying first.  I didn't obey the Lord.  This is another example of my impatience.  Will I ever learn to wait upon the Lord?

      Now I've come to the conclusion that I have to get out of here while I can still navigate!  "Oh Lord," I prayed, "I'm sorry I didn't listen to your instructions.  Please forgive me and help me learn to obey You and not make snap decisions in the future."  The Lord said, "Start looking for a house with wood floors, but this time proceed with caution and don't be so impatient; stop and pray about it first."

      You can be sure I will only look at places with wood floors and I will pray before buying the next house.  I will trust that God has just the right place for me.  I do not want to make another costly mistake.

      Oh Lord, I thank You for Your endless patience with  me."