One of the most tedious, but necessary tasks that happens on Monday mornings, is the recounting of the offering. For accountability purposes, everything always has to be exact. And inevitably the offering has to be counted more than once.
Last Monday, as Pete and Melissa recounted the offering in Pete’s office, I decided to help.
As Pete painstakingly counted out dollars and separated coins, I said, “1, 17, 22, 13, 94……” It wasn’t too long before Pete lost count. He laughed and started over. Now that’s how it’s supposed to work.
Instead of Pete getting upset and wrapped around the axle that his obnoxious pastor was goofing up his count, he simply laughed it off and started over.
While you may not have a pastor that messes up your count, more than likely, you have someone who is an irritant in your life. An overbearing boss, a dramatic teenager, a customer with 16 items at the 15 or less cash register, a rude waiter, or worse – people who treat waitresses as beneath them, a driver who decides to take his half of the road in the middle, a cashier who cannot count change, someone who thinks they are an expert in raising children even though they’ve never had any, male chauvinists, feminists who refuse to say humankind because it has “man” in it, people smoking who don’t care that the people around them don’t, the list goes on and on….
The bottom line is that there are a lot of people that can be very irritating and make us angry. But it’s what we do with our anger that really matters.
Paul said, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27)
Life’s too short to be angry. Let it go. Your life will be much better if you don’t let people like me bother you.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am tempted to give into anger; remind me of the love and patience you have shown. Fill me with your joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Don’t be angry. Just enjoy the blessings that God has placed in your life and be satisfied knowing that while life’s not perfect, you are loved. And if Pete can put up with me, you can handle whatever life throws your way.
Also, if you need any help counting, I’m your man.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 