Shannon is the one who mows our yard because we have a zero turn radius mower and whenever I tried to use it I hit the house, fence, numerous trees, and the tractor. Shannon decided enough was enough and before I hurt myself or destroyed the mower, it would be best if she did the mowing.
Saturday, while I was in a pasture burning a brush pile, Shannon was happily mowing the yard. But even our zero turn radius mower couldn’t get everything, so she stopped the mower and knelt by a tree to pull a weed the mower had missed. Just as she reached down, Shannon saw something move. She quickly pulled her hand away, took a good hard look and realized it was a rattlesnake.
Later that day, Shannon and I went to the tree to see if the snake was still there. It was. I quickly went into ninja mode and used a shovel to send it on to snake heaven. This got me thinking.
What if the rattlesnake had bitten Shannon while I was away from the house? What started as a calm, productive morning could have very easily evolved into a catastrophic situation. All I can do is praise God she wasn’t bitten.
The point to my ramblings is that none of us knows what will happen from one moment to the next. And to somehow think we are in control is utter lunacy.
Snake bites, car accidents, cancer, tornadoes, strokes, stock market crashes, Enron, pink slips, divorce papers, and red lights are just a few of the many things that are completely out of our control.
Solomon’s cautious warning was right on the money: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1)
So live this day as if it were your last because it just may be.
Tell those that need to hear it that you love them. Forgive those who have hurt you. Ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt. Laugh, smile, hug, and take a moment to really look at this beautiful world. Stop rushing as though all of creation depends on you meeting every aspect of your oversubscribed calendar. Breathe.
This moment, right now is all you are guaranteed, so make it count.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to truly live my life instead of just going through the motions. Help me to see what truly matters and what doesn’t. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I am incredibly thankful that Shannon was not bitten by that rattlesnake. I’m kind of attached to her.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 