This past Saturday the women of our church put on a style show. I had never seen anything quite like it. In fact, I have come to the conclusion that more planning went into this style show than into D Day. It showed.
Each table was meticulously decorated by women in the church using their best china or a theme. The caterers were some of the finest I’ve ever seen. I’m certain all the florist shops in Temple ran out of flowers because of the elaborate table center pieces. And the men of the church, dressed in tuxedos and black suits with ties, were the servers. We were the eye candy.
I served two tables of six. I knew I had to be on my best behavior because these were Christian women and things could get out of control real fast.
I really enjoyed making sure the women had their food, coffee, tea, and anything else they needed. And then they began breaking forks – I am not making this up.
Apparently Marian, Peggy, and Carol Ann, (I am only using their first names so no one knows who I am talking about) were so excited about their fruit and chicken salad plates, that they attacked their meals with the sort of ferocity you would expect from a starving man suddenly getting a barbeque sandwich. It was kind of scary.
The third time I returned with a new fork, I told Marian, Peggy, and Carol Ann (I am only using their first names so no one knows who I am talking about) that they were going to be the subject of a Daily Devotional. They already knew it was coming.
The point to this rambling is that none of those women woke up Saturday morning expecting their pastor bringing them additional forks because of their eating habits. But that’s exactly what happened.
No matter how prepared you think you may be to handle life, the unexpected is going to happen. You will never be able to cover every possibility or plan for every contingency. There are too many variables and life is too complicated.
So trust in God, live your life to the fullest, and when the unexpected happens, roll with it and continue to be the person God created you to be. In the end, you already know where you are going.
This understanding of trusting God and truly living is what David meant in the 23 Psalm:
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23)
Knowing the unexpected will happen, live your life to its fullest. That’s what God wants for you.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, walk with me this day. Give me patience, peace, and the wisdom necessary to face the challenges in front of me. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Did I tell you that Marian, Peggy, and Carol Ann (I am only using their first names so no one knows who I am talking about) broke their forks. Those are some dangerous women. I am glad to be their pastor.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 