"People all over the world are constantly looking for the better item, whether buying fruit in a market or choosing a place to live. We examine, ponder, compare, and finally make a choice based on what we believe is better. I can’t imagine anyone saying, “I’m convinced this one is worse, so I’ll take it.”

The book of Proverbs is filled with comparisons that point us toward the right pathway in life. Because the book’s purpose is to give the reader knowledge and wisdom based on the fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:2,7), it’s not surprising to find statements saying, “This is better than that.”

In Proverbs 16, we read that it is better to get wisdom than gold or silver (v.16); better to be humble among the poor than to be proud among the wealthy (v.19); better to control our temper than to rule a city (v.32). Some people have the ability to be both wise and wealthy. But when faced with a choice between the two, Proverbs says wisdom is the better alternative.

As we read the book of Proverbs, let’s look for those signs that say, “This is better!” When God’s Word shapes our thinking and guides our choices, we’ll discover that His way is always better." Our Daily Bread —David C. McCasland

Some people looking at our decision would wonder if we were crazy. We went from having $15,000 to move to Indy where some of our friends and family live, where we had a church and neighborhood all picked out, with the same position and company we were used to, along the same lines we have been thinking for the past several months to accepting the offer for a lower paying job that is very new and different, with a sizably smaller moving package, to a less desirable location (Louisville is tainted in every nook and cranny with memories of my past life as an unsaved sinner), with no clear idea of where we'll go to church, and no clear house forerunners with a huge house search area. But the Lord is leading! The wisdom to go is "better" than the money and "safety" to stay. Once again, like so many decisions in Michael's life, God has opened up one line of doors and we really have no other options!

But Lord, I need You. I need You so badly. My mind is racing with things that need to get done before we leave and I have no idea how they are going to get done! People we need to consult with, trips we'll need to take. If I think I've bordered on neglectful of the kids this year, this will take it to a whole new level! Can I figure out a way to get Edward involved? Maybe I can give him a basket so that on days when the house is being shown he can pick up stuff for me, and closer to moving day, he can have his very own tote for all his toys. Continue to help me be patient and kind to my son through this. I already know I'm going to have to take frequent breaks to take care of Genevieve (feeding and such), so each time I do, Lord, I ask that You renew my perspective, motivation, and dedication to You through the task. In everything I do, I want to do it for You.

Father God, I need You. Greed and impatience and unbelief are huge giants that keep occupying my thoughts, taunting me. I don't feel confident that I can discern what's needed verses what I do because I'm under the influence of sin. Can I leave the house search in Your hands instead of obsessing about it? Convict me deeply that today is not the day to look. I can take a break from it and trust that You will provide when the timing is perfect. I know You will, I'm just not CONVINCED of it. And if I'm being honest, I'm not convinced that my preferences are Your will. My flesh wants to cling to my dreams instead of embracing Yours, which are the "better" ones to pursue. Why WOULDN'T I be able to surrender that which will affect everything about our new lives? The house, yard, neighbors, neighborhood, community, and church we choose should be the place YOU have chosen. Apart from that, nothing makes sense. Apart from that, we are fumbling to find ministries You did not provide. Apart from that, we give in to our worldly desires and turn away from the godly desires that keep us in close fellowship with You. Apart from that, our pride clouds our vision and we cannot see You and life becomes a miserable shadow existence where we search for You but cannot see You for the clouds.

What a horrible vision. Restore my sight. Purify my heart and mind. Holy Spirit, reside in me, teach me, strengthen me. I do not want to let go, but I HAVE to. Pry my fingers loose if You have to. Help me love when I don't feel like I can and even when I don't want to. I love You, Jesus.