Yesterday was a long day. I baled hay. I was in a hurry because today’s weather forecast called for rain and I couldn’t afford to have the hay on the ground if precipitation was coming.
At the end of the day, I looked at all the round bales sitting in the fields and was so proud of myself. I had beaten the rain. I had done it all on my own. I was the MAN! This got me thinking.
If Dee hadn’t repaired my tractor, I would not have been able to bale the hay and beat the rain.
If Shannon hadn’t used her tractor to rake the hay, I would not have been able to bale the hay and beat the rain.
If the feed store had not sold me the seed, I would have not have been able to bale the hay and beat the rain.
If the gas station had not sold me the diesel to run the tractors, I would not have been able to bale the hay and beat the rain.
If John Deere had not produced the replacement part for my tractor’s hydraulic line, I would not have been able to bale the hay and beat the rain.
Suddenly, all the ways others contributed to me baling the hay and beat the rain came flooding in.
That was the moment I realized I had gotten too big for my britches, which is a problem I face on a regular basis because I am always tempted to think I am the MAN.
If you too suffer from Tom-itis, stop it. You are not completely independent. You had help becoming the person you are and the accomplishments you have achieved. You are not the Man or the Woman.
To think any of us have done the things we have done independent of other people and especially God, it a false narrative that leads to pride and our ultimate downfall.
The wisest of all people said: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
Be thankful for God’s continual presence, guidance, and love. Also, be thankful for the infinite number of people that have contributed to your life. That’s the wise thing to do.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for being in my life. Thank you for all the people that have impacted my life for the good. Today, I especially thank you for the health care workers who are risking their lives taking care of others. Be with them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I have noticed that whenever I get too big for my britches, it never ends well. I would spare you that pain and humiliation.
Also, just for the record, as I write today’s devotional, it has begun to rain. I baled the hay and beat the rain. I am the MAN!
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 