My middle son went off to a technical institute for engineering after high school. I was perplexed. I believe art is his God-given talent. Since he was old enough to hold a pencil, we have admired and delighted in his artistic expressions. I wanted to push for art school, but I trusted God and stayed quiet.
During his freshman spring break, the two of us were sharing some food and conversation at the kitchen table. Suddenly he came out with it. He didn’t want to be an engineer, he didn’t really enjoy math. He had chosen engineering thinking it was the smart choice, that it would provide a lucrative job but, alas, his heart wasn’t in it. He wanted to go to art school. My heart sang! Mothers can’t claim to know everything about their kids, but I knew this one needed to go to art school.
I want my sons to be where God has planned for them to be–for a day, a season or a lifetime, whatever it may be. Maybe God allowed my son to look into engineering to awaken him to the very thing that shines brightest in his soul. Perhaps he wouldn’t have seriously embraced an opportunity to pursue art if he hadn’t spent that year walking away from it. How God works is a mystery to me at times. But I do know that God has bestowed upon each person gifts, potential, talents and interest. I’m learning to attune myself to Him and His ways so I can follow the path He has waiting for me, the one that uses my gifts in the best possible way, the one that honors Him.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Meeting God at the Park 