Unanswered Prayers and Unwalked Paths

“Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers. Remember when you’re talking to the Man upstairs, just because He don’t answer, doesn’t mean He don’t care. Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

These are Garth Brooks lyrics that until recently I did not fully understand. I know what the song is about, how he has a better woman now than the one he begged God for, but I didn’t know how that would practically look in someone’s life.

This weekend, though, I flew back to my hometown for a vacation. I love that I no longer live there, but can now just return as a visitor and play tourist. (Oklahoma really is just much better that way.) While there, I caught glimpses of a life I may have had if God had answered so many prayers the way I wanted them answered.

And then:

I thanked GOD for unanswered prayers and unwalked paths.

I have such a life, that I cannot even describe. I am so blessed. Even through all the struggles I have encountered, somehow, I still lead a fantastical life. I travel often, have a huge, eccentric family, and have a home to call my own. God has decided to give me almost everything I have ever put on a “bucket list” sort of list. So much so that I have to make a new one every 5 years or so because I find it has been complete.

But, there are a few things He didn’t see to pass, or answer. Paths I prayed to walk, people I prayed to be a bigger part of my life, that never happened. And, this weekend, I caught a glimpse of what that could have looked like for me.

NOT what I want for my life. Not even close to the life I ever really wanted to live.

And, I was so grateful that God did not answer those prayers or lead me down those paths. If He had:

I never would have moved back to California.
I probably wouldn’t have finished school.
I never would have had my AMAZING experience at Vanguard University.
I wouldn’t have met the wonderful people I met at Vanguard, and here in the Bay Area

And biggest of all:

I would not have learned so much about who I am and how I handle adversity.

See it’s a case of:

I thought I knew better, but really, 

GOD KNEW BEST.

My mom wants me to move back, especially when I go through tough times like I have been, but I know GOD led me down this path for a reason. I am exactly who I am supposed to be in exactly the place I am supposed to be.

And, I am so thankful that GOD knew better than me, and saw fit to guide me in His way rather than my own. I honestly believe I am so much happier (and much better off) living my life as it is than if I had just had that one prayer answered “my way”.

I am so thankful tonight for my own Unanswered Prayers.

What about you? Are there unanswered prayers in your history that you are thankful for today? Have you given it much thought?

  This post linked with Shanda and On Your Heart Tuesdays