July 27, 2020

esterday afternoon, I decided to put out a round bale of oat hay for the cows.  This meant starting up the tractor, driving to the hay storage pen, putting a bale of hay on the forks, driving to the pasture, putting the bale in the hay ring, and cutting off the twine that held the bale together.   This always makes me very popular with the cows because oat hay is their version of candy.

As I drove the tractor to the hay storage, everything seemed fine until I put the bale on the hay forks.  That was the moment the clouds decided to rain.  I’m not talking a little sprinkle but a downpour.  I got soaked to the bone.  I was very irritated and found myself whining about getting drenched with rain.  That’s when it hit me.  I needed a bigger perspective.  I was complaining about rain – in Texas – in July.

 In reality, this minor inconvenience was a true blessing because we desperately need the rain.  I thanked God for the rain and it was no longer a problem because I saw it for what it truly was.  It reminded me of song sung by Darius Rucker in which he remembers the bad things in life that led him to a good place.  It’s entitled This:

Got a baby girl sleepin’ in my bedroom
And her momma laughing in my arms
There’s a sound of rain on the rooftop
And the game’s about to start
I don’t really know how I got here
But I’m so glad that I did
And it’s crazy to think that one little thing
Could have changed all of this

Maybe it didn’t turn out like I planned
Maybe that’s why I’m such, such a lucky man

For every stoplight I didn’t make
Every chance I did or I didn’t take
All the nights I went too far
All the girls that broke my heart
All the doors that I had to close
All the things I knew but I didn’t know
Thank God for all I missed
‘Cause it led me here to this

Just remember that God is always working in your life.  There will be disappointments, heartaches, joys, and laughter.  And God will there in both the good and bad experiences to bring you to a good place.  That’s because you have a very good God.

So as you begin a new day, take a moment to thank God for a new day.  As the psalmist said: “This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Also, if you don’t know who Darius Rucker is, it is time to expand your musical horizons. I enjoy his music and I hope you will too.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins