One of the fall traditions of our church is the pumpkin patch. Sadly, two years ago, we came to the conclusion we could no longer have the pumpkin patch after two nights of vandalism. This did not set well with Shannon.
Yesterday, Shannon informed me that she had placed an order for $100 worth of pumpkin seeds and we were going to have the church come to our place for the fall pumpkin patch. Realizing how much work Shannon had volunteered me to do, I hyperventilated and passed out.
When I regained consciousness, I thought it over and decided it was a good idea. So I called Dee to ask if he would be in charge of the hayride. Then I called Calvin to ask if he would be in charge of the horse rides. Both of them immediately agreed. This got me thinking.
Earlier in the day, I had no idea I was going to be planting pumpkin seeds and doing everything else associated with having a pumpkin patch. Earlier in the day, Dee and Calvin had no idea I was going to ask for their help. All of this was set in motion because Shannon wanted to do something wonderful for the children of the church.
While you may not have a spouse making the decision that you are going to be planting pumpkins, someone, somewhere will make a choice that will change the trajectory of your day. That’s how life works.
A driver may change lanes with no warning. Someone may run a red light. A cashier may have a bad day. Your boss may have an unexpected task. Someone may choose not to wear a mask and unknowingly expose you to the coronavirus. The list of ways others impact our lives goes on and on and on….
So, where do we find stability in an unpredictable world? There is only one place.
Trusting Jesus to walk with us through a world of change is the only way to truly live a life of stability. This does not mean we will avoid the storms. They will come. It means that in good times or bad, the One who loves us more than life itself will be our solid, unmovable foundation.
This is what Jesus meant when he said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
Life is full of the unexpected. That’s okay. Trust Jesus. He can handle it.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for walking with me. Help me to always rely upon you when life takes an unexpected turn. Help me make choices that result in others coming to know you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I had no idea my fall would be consumed with a pumpkin patch. That’s life. I’m good with it.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 