A few weeks ago, I sold a round hay baler and a hay rake to a family that lives outside of Temple. They are actually related to members of our church, which really shouldn’t be a surprise since everyone in Temple is somehow related to each other.
Jack is the thirteen year old that was going to use the baler and rake. He was very excited.
Knowing that a big piece of equipment like a round hay baler can go south very quickly if it isn’t operated correctly and that there’s a lot to keep track of, I told Jack, his father, and his grandfather that it was very important that I be there the first time Jack used the baler to show him how to safely use it and iron out any problems that might pop up. Yesterday was the day.
Yesterday afternoon, as we pulled up to the hayfield, I could tell Jack was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He and his grandfather had greased the baler, added new twine, hooked it up to the tractor and had it ready to bale.
After going over the controls, explaining how to move from one side of the windrow to the other, talking about safety, and making sure Jack understood what he was about to do, it was time to bale.
Jack cranked up the tractor, engaged the PTO on the tractor and started to bale. He did a great job.
Yes, there were a few setbacks and some bales that were really messed up, but Jack quickly got the hang of using that giant piece of equipment. I truly enjoyed standing in the middle of the hay field watching the tractor go round and round as the baler ejected huge bales of hay.
This morning when I check my messages, I saw that Jack had sent the following text: “Thank you very much for the baler. It works great. Thanks for the tips and have a blessed day.” Jack said thank you. This got me thinking. When was the last time I said thank you to God?
The vast majority of my prayer time is consumed with petitions for myself or others. In fact, I’m very big on asking God to do a lot of things for a lot of people, including me. But where I don’t do a good job is remembering to thank God for all that he has done in my life.
The psalmist said: “Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)
As you begin this new day, take a moment to give God thanks for all that he has done. It matters.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for all that you have done. I am thankful that you are a good and gracious God. I pray the way I live my life pleases you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
This morning a thirteen year old reminded a fifty-six year old to give God thanks. God is good.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 