September 3, 2019

Yesterday, for my birthday, Shannon and I went to Lowe’s to buy a portable generator. And while some may wonder how a generator can be a birthday gift, just know it was exactly what I wanted. I was pumped.

It took two huffing, puffing salesmen to lift the generator off the floor onto a flat cart. Then they told me it would take four of them to load it into the back of my truck.

One of the salesmen asked if I would have any help when I got home because he was concerned about me injuring myself trying to unload such a heavy, awkward box. I explained that my wife was very strong and she would unload it for me. He was skeptical but I assured him I had it under control.

Instead of four people loading the generator into the truck, there were only three. It didn’t take long for them to realize they were in over their heads. As the generator began to break through the bottom of the box, I was concerned they were either going to hurt themselves or damage the generator.

I had them remove the box and then lift the generator by its frame. When it was finally loaded, the same very anxious salesman asked for the second time how I was going to unload the generator when I got home. I told him my wife was a beast and could handle it.

As he looked at my cute, little wife standing next to me, I could tell he thought I was in real trouble.

Once we got home, I hopped onto the tractor as Shannon wrapped chains through the generator frame and attached them to the front end loader. Then, in no time at all, we had the generator unloaded and were onto the next project. This got me thinking.

Because the employees at Lowe’s did not use the right equipment to load such a heavy piece of machinery into the bed of my truck, there was a tremendous amount of huffing, straining, and, more than likely, future workers comp claims. For them, loading the generator was a backbreaking, miserable experience.

But for Shannon and me, unloading the generator was a piece of cake because we used the tractor. We used the right equipment. It was a great experience. This is a great analogy for life.

When people go through life without the guidance God provides through scripture, it is a miserable, self-absorbed experience that is devoid of true hope and joy. They aren’t using the right equipment.

But for those who read and apply the Bible, while life is never perfect, they are always on the right path. That’s because they are using the right equipment.

If you want guidance, comfort, and wisdom in your life, read the Bible. That’s why the psalmist said, “Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5)

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me to rely upon you in every circumstance of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Using the Bible is using the right equipment for a good life.

Also, just for the record, I would really appreciated it if you didn’t let Shannon know I called her a beast.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins