Yesterday was a very irritating day.
As I drove up to the church after being on vacation for two weeks, I noticed all the buildings were still standing and the landscaping never looked better. Then I learned that Pastor Brian had preached two wonderful sermons, Amanda had our children rocking through Vacation Bible School, Grace had taken our youth to Glen Lake Camp, Kay B. was hosting the very popular summer cooking class, Terra had the Mother’s Day Out Program at full attendance, and Kay S. had done a tremendous job teaching my Bible study.
When I walked into Dennis Hall, I saw Pete, Charlie, Ronnie, and Shelly busily hurrying about their different duties. The church was running better than ever. This was very confusing.
Where was the tickertape parade welcoming me back? Where were the throngs of people crying out for my brilliant pastoral skills to save marriages and visit the sick? Why weren’t the members of the church staff waiting for me in the parking lot to solve all their problems? What the heck?
Apparently I am not as important as I think I am. They did just fine without me. This was a very rude awakening.
If you, like me, suffer from Tomitis, just remember, the world was turning before we got here and the world will keep turning after we are gone. None of us is indispensable. This is a lesson that those of us with overgrown egos need to hear on a regular basis.
Solomon’s wise words of warning say it best: “Do you see persons wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for fools than for them.” (Proverbs 26:12)
Every so often, we need a good dose of humility to keep us in check. That’s what the first day back from vacation is for.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to remember that I am not as important as I think I am. Give me a humble heart, a wise mind, and a generous spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I hope the church never figures out how much better everything seems to run when I am away. They may decide they don’t need a senior pastor anymore. That would be very inconvenient.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 