Yesterday, as I walked through the lobby of Dennis Hall, I saw Brian. I shook his hand and said, “How’s your marriage?” He responded, “Not too well after Susie supervised my driving last night all the way from the coast.” I said, “You too! Shannon does the same thing to me.”
That’s when I shared with Brian that somewhere in our wedding vows, Shannon had promised to supervise every second of my driving for the rest of my life. He knew exactly what I meant. At that moment, I realized that somehow Shannon and Susie were related by blood and Brian and I were kindred spirits.
As Brian and I talked about how hard it is to live with women who continually supervise our driving, Susan, the volunteer staff babysitter, was sitting there listening to our conversation, so I asked her if she supervised George’s driving. She explained that George was more than happy to let her drive and he just sat back and relaxed. At that moment I began to wonder if Brian and I were the only two married to driving supervisor wives.
Then Kay walked through the lobby. I asked her if she supervised Howard’s driving. Kay became very animated and said, “Oh, you bet I do.” That’s when I realized Brian and I were not the only ones.
The problem with Shannon’s continual feedback on how fast I’m going, driving too close to the edge of the road, not staying in the middle of the lane, the exact moment I am to turn on the turn signal, when to pass another car, when not to pass a car, and a host of other very useful suggestions drives me absolutely crazy. That’s when I remind her I’m a grown man, and if she really wants to, she can drive.
Her response is usually something to the effect that if I am a grown man, I need to drive like a grownup and, no, she does not want to drive. She just wants to supervise my driving.
Even though there are times Shannon drives me nuts, it will never affect my love for her. That’s not negotiable. I think it is the same with God.
I am certain there are times when I do, say, or think something that makes God shake his head in disbelief and say, “Tom is driving me nuts.” But even though there are times when God is frustrated by my immature, self-serving ways, he will never stop loving me. For God, it’s not negotiable.
This is what Paul meant by saying, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Through thick and thin, God will never stop loving you. That’s what matters most.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for loving me enough to send Jesus. Help me to live a life that honors you and what you have done for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God’s love is not conditional. God will love us no matter what. Thank God.
Also, just for the record, while Shannon may have some flaws, I am pretty much perfect. We balance each other out. That’s what makes a good marriage.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 