Bruce works for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot). His job is to inspected the equipment built by inmates in the Texas Department of Justice who are taught to weld and fabricate in order to have a marketable trade skill, so that when they are allowed to reenter society, they can be productive, gainfully employed citizens with a future.
While many people would be tempted to treat these hardened criminals as somehow beneath them, Bruce has always treated the inmates with kindness and respect. It shows.
Bruce will retire next week.
Yesterday, as Bruce pulled up to work, he was greeted with a large sign that said: “Happy Retirement, Happy Fishing, We Will Miss You.”
These inmates, many who have never had much of a chance in life, genuinely care for Bruce because of his love for them. They will miss him because he made a difference.
The Waiter Rule says, “If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.” Sadly, there are a lot of people who are not nice. That is not our way.
If we are followers of Jesus Christ, we do not have the option of looking at others with contempt or disdain. We treat others with the same kindness, grace, and compassion we hope to receive. This is why Jesus said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31)
If all of us acted like Bruce, the world would be a much better place.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, guide my interactions with others. Use me to help others experience peace, joy, and grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Do your part to make a difference. That’s why we are here.
Just for the record, Bruce is a great guy but he’s not perfect. He isn’t Methodist. I’m working on it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 