Trusting the Good King

Can you believe I’ve never been to a Renaissance Festival until now?

 

I can’t either, since I love researching and writing about the Middle Ages. However, recently I was invited to go to a local festival. While smaller than more popular renaissance festivals that I’ve heard about, it made up for its size with plenty of fun, family friendly nature, and personality. It turned out to be a fun-filled girls’ day out with my sister and nieces.

 

 

War of Two Kings

 

After arriving, it didn’t take long to realize a political campaign was afoot, with two rulers vying for the throne. We were each given a chess piece to vote for our favorite king before leaving the festival. The choices were as different as night and day. First, there was King Aiden, the current ruler, well known and loved for being kind, good and just. Seeking to take over the throne came the second choice, King Von John. Evil, manipulative and cruel, he used threats to persuade people vote for him.

 

 

The Joust

 

Before the event started, an announcer asked the spectators to split in half. The right side would cheer for the knight in green, under the banner of King Aiden, while the left would cheer for the red knight, fighting for King Von John. Along the front of the arena were followers of King Von John trying to persuade people on the right side to change sides. We however were not so easily swayed and decided to cheer for the knight in green.

 

 

The Knights

 

The knights both gave speeches to earn the love of the crowd. The green knight gave an inspiring, yet humble speech, vowing to compete for the honor of King Aiden. Then the red knight took his turn, with a flourish of his long flowing hair, he gave an energetic and charismatic speech, winning over the crowd with his charm.

After the introductions, both knights had a chance to show their skills. The green knight showed his experience as a seasoned warrior, by hitting targets with his lance. He had perfect aim and accuracy, earning cheers from the right side. Next, the red knight, who was younger and handsome, showed his skill with the sword, slicing a watermelon in half with one swift and accurate swipe. This earned roaring applause from the left side.

During the joust, both knights competed well, but it was clear the green knight with more skill would win. Alas, the red knight’s pride would not allow him to accept defeat. He challenged the green knight to a swordfight and in the end, won the competition, much to our dismay.

However, hope was not lost. The green knight, not willing to bring dishonor to King Aiden, challenged the red knight to another joust. We could not stay to watch all the jousts that day, but I hope he won in the end.

 

Looks Can be Deceiving

 

The red knight was younger, handsome, and charming. Yet, during the competition, his true nature revealed its self. First, the eloquent speech he gave were actually popular song lyrics he had stolen. He mocked the other knight after winning a round in the competition. Last, several times during the sword fighting, he charged forward before his opponent was ready, giving him an unfair advantage. It became clear, the red knight only cared about winning instead of good sportsmanship. Still, even with all his faults, the left side continued to cheer for the red knight.

 

While it was easy to tell the difference between the two kings— one clearly good, and the other evil, it turned out more difficult to distinguish the nature of the two knights. At first glance, both seemed worthy of cheering for. Yet, it took careful observations to discern one was not who he seemed.

 

Shiny Things

 

Doesn’t this happen in real life? As humans we are naturally attracted to “shiny things.” These could be anything, including material possessions, a job promotion, or even a handsome knight in shining armor. We might believe these things will bring happiness, but in the end it turns out to be overrated. The new shiny car comes with a huge car payment, leading to horrible debt. The fancy high-paying new job comes with long hours, taking away from time with our families. Or, the handsome charming knight turns out to be shallow and cruel.

We Can Trust the Good King

 

Even things we ask God for that seem good could not be right for us. It could be the wrong thing or even the wrong timing in His plan. The important thing to remember is, our Heavenly Father doesn’t just want was is Good for us. He wants what is Best. While we can’t always see the reason God answers “No” or “Not Yet” to a prayer, we can trust He knows exactly what He’s doing. He has good plans for our lives.

Psalms 37:3-5 says,

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.”

Since it is difficult for us to determine what is the best for us, it is more important than ever, to make sure our hearts’ desires align with what God had planned for us. By spending time in prayer and reading His word, He can guide us in His will for our lives.

 

In my own life, I find that journaling can help me to trust God. Writing out my prayers in the journal helps, because when I look back later, I can see where God took care of my needs. True, many times He has answered “no” or “later.” However, I can see how He has provided for, healed me, and comforted me during my life. Many things I may not understand this side of Heaven, but I know my Heavenly Father knows and has a plan. That is enough.

Thank you for stopping by! I appreciate all of your support and hope this blog brings some encouragement. Look below for a video featuring my visit to the renaissance festival.