A few years ago, Shannon planted Knockout roses outside our bedroom windows. They were beautiful. Then, when I wasn’t looking, they grew into monster rose bushes that scrapped against the windows, causing eerie sounds in the middle of the night.
I did everything I could think of to slow their growth. They didn’t get watered very often. Also, they were cut back on a regular basis. But in retrospect, I think this caused them to grow even faster.
Finally, this past weekend, Shannon couldn’t take my whining, crying, and complaining any longer. She allowed me take out the rose bushes. For me, this was a great victory that proves the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Yesterday, after coming home from church, I walked into our bedroom to change clothes. That’s when I noticed something remarkable. The room was absolutely filled with light because the roses weren’t blocking the windows anymore. It was like going into a completely different room. This got me thinking.
Sadly, we live in a time when society says it’s okay to hate those who have different political views, vilify those with different religious beliefs, and despise those who come from foreign lands. Much like the roses blocked light from coming into the bedroom, our society had allowed anger, hatred, and bigotry to be the lens through which it see the world. The light of love has been blocked. This is not the way of a Christian.
Jesus said: “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness.“ (Luke 11:34)
Today, be intentional about focusing on the good, erring on the side of grace, and recognizing that every person is equally important to the One who created, redeemed, and sustains us. Then, the anger and resentment that has infected our society will not cloud our vision.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me clearly see the world the way you intend. Let me live a life free from bigotry, hatred, and unnecessary anger. Use me to make this world a better place. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Seeing the world through the eyes of God’s is the best way to live. It matters.
Also, just for the record, if you are going to take out giant rose bushes with a chainsaw, make sure you aren’t wearing shorts and a tee shirt. I learned that lesson the hard way.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 