July 8, 2019

For the last two weeks, Shannon and I have been on vacation. We went to the Davis Mountains. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

As we toured the Fort Davis National Historical Site, I was truly moved as I thought about all the cavalry soldiers stationed at that old fort in the middle of nowhere with the mission of keeping travelers safe between Texas and California.

In order to remember our time touring the fort, Shannon started taking pictures. She asked me to stand in front of the soldier’s barracks. Then, just before the snapped the picture, she said, “Suck in your stomach.” I was highly offended.

It is obvious to anyone who looks, I have invested a lot of time and money to make my stomach look like this. And even though my stomach is always the first thing to enter the room, I am proud of it. But because I always do what my wife tells me to, I sucked in until I looked like a supermodel.

My choice was to let Shannon’s hurtful, mean, callous, unkind, upsetting, cruel, cutting, insensitive, tactless, and inappropriate words ruin the rest of the day or simply not let it bother me and accept the fact that I may need a little work around my middle. I chose the latter option.

Today, more than likely someone will say or do something that offends you. When this happens, you have two choices. You can either let it ruin your day or you can make the conscious choice to make sure no one takes your joy. The choice is yours. And most importantly, you are God’s child.

Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

I hope you have a wonderful day but if someone says something hurtful, the choice is yours. Don’t let them take your joy.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I face the unknown of a new day, I humbly ask that you continually remind me that I am your child, I am saved, and with your love I can face whatever life sends my way. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Today is my last day of vacation. My stomach and I intend to make the most of it.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins