Yesterday, as I sat in my office, staring at my computer, trying to think of the subject for today’s devotional, Pastor Brian walked in. He gave me the perfect illustration. It was Janet.
Hiring Janet as our church cook has made me look like the genius I know I am. Because food is such an integral part of our church, Janet attends the weekly staff meeting. Yesterday, she said something that really struck a cord with everyone in the room.
Last year, Janet had to place her mother in a nursing facility. This was very hard but necessary decision. This has meant that Martha cannot attend church on Sunday mornings, which had been the routine of her entire life. She has desperately missed it.
In yesterday’s staff meeting, we discussed the incredible progress that Grace and Chris had made over the last month for the online streaming of the worship service. Janet said, “I won’t be coming to church next Sunday because I am taking my iPad to Mom so that we can watch the service together. That way she can attend worship.”
My concern was that if Janet wasn’t here, her offering wouldn’t be here either. She assured me it would. Then I was cool with it.
In thinking about Janet’s comment, it became very clear.
As a child, Martha made sure her daughter was in church every Sunday. She knew it mattered. And now that their roles have reversed, Janet is assuring that her mother can still be a part of corporate worship. This is the blessing she is able to give her mother.
Solomon said, “Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
The example we set for our children matters. They are always watching, listening, and paying attention. So make your example count.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in a world that is filled with confusion and competing demands clamoring for attention, I humbly ask that you use me as a positive influence. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Janet and Martha will not be sitting in the sanctuary this Sunday but they will be worshiping with us. It will be a good day.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 