[ampaterry]

When Mike returned home from his first day in kindergarten, his mother asked if he'd had a good day. He replied "I can't read and I can't write and they won't let me talk, so what's the use?"
So often we are like Mike. We give it a good shot, but if it doesn't work we are ready to drop it and move on to something else. If we were consistent in that attitude, none of us would ever learn how to play a musical instrument, type, drive a car, ride a bicycle, roller skate, swim, dance, or even walk, talk, or run. We have to be open to those lessons that are long and hard as well as to those that are short and easy.
In some ways, we are supposed to be childlike, such as the instance Jesus speaks of:
Matthew 18:3 (KJV); "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

But in most things, we should be prepared for a learning experience, including being open to the help of a teacher:
Acts 8:26-31 (KJV); "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."

As in so many things, the Christian walks the center path. We must not overanalyze everything, procrastinating until opportunity has passed. On the other hand, we must not be too rash and quick, but spend the time needed to gain the knowledge we need.

May the Lord bless each one here this morning -