June 21, 2019

Rerun Friday

Devotional for July 3, 2014

When I was in the army, every six months, my squadron would have a Hail and Farewell. This is where the officers their spouses would welcome the incoming officer families and say goodbye to those who were leaving.

One year, for Halloween, my squadron commander decided that we would have a costume party for the Hail and Farewell. My sister-in-law told me that she would mail a costume to me.

The Saturday of the big event, I spent the day mowing the lawn and doing other chores. When it was time to get ready, I took a shower and then opened the package my sister-in-law had mailed. I almost had a heart attack. She had sent me a Peter Pan costume. It had pointy ears and green tights.

I didn’t know what to do. I was in a combat squadron. We were real men. I couldn’t go to the party in greet tights. But I didn’t have a choice. So I stuck on the ears, pulled up the tights and put on that little green hat.

When I got to the party, I notice my friends were dressed like cowboys, astronauts and sheiks. As I walked in, all conversation stopped, everyone stared and my freakishly tall squadron commander walked over to me and said, “Robbins, those are some of the best looking legs I have ever seen.” That was a night I will never forget.

Later, when I talked to my sister-in-law about the very inappropriate costume she sent for me, she didn’t get it. Even after I explained that soldiers who jump out of planes and command tanks don’t wear green tights and pointy ears, she still didn’t get it.

The lesson I learned is that when it comes to costumes, don’t trust anyone.

One of the hardest lessons to learn is that everyone at one time or another will let you down. You will never be the perfect spouse. You will never be the perfect parent or child. You will never be the perfect boss. There is no such thing. Sooner or later, even with the best of intentions, you will let down someone you love.

The good news is that there is one who will never let you down. In dealing with disappointment, Paul says, “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

I sure wish I had remembered this scripture passage as I was driving to the Hail and Farewell. My evening may have been more enjoyable.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please help me to trust you without fear or reservation. I give my life to you to be used for your purpose. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins