According to the National Forest Service, the following are some actual suggestions and comments given by visitors at some of our national parks:

“Escalators would help on steep uphill areas of hiking trails.”

“Many trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building ones that go uphill.”

“I like all the trees but you need to plant some flowers. Flower gardens would be so pretty in the forest.”

“The giant trees are spectacular but there are too many of the same kind; you should plant different types, for variety.”

“I was stung by a bee; you should have warning signs.”

“The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.”

“A deer came into my camp and stole my bag of chips. Is there any way I can get reimbursed? Please call ….”

“A McDonalds would be a nice sight at the trailhead” (Preaching Now, Vol. 6, No. 8, 2007).

            As silly as these thoughts are, they are nothing compared to some excuses of those disobeying God:

“The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12). [Adam].

“I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf” (Exodus 32:24). [Aaron].

“I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering” (1 Samuel 13:12). [Saul].

“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25). [Felix].

What Were They Thinking?

by Bob Prichard

www.oxfordchurchofchrist.com