Yesterday morning, I woke up as thunder boomed in the distance and flashes of lightning raced across the sky. The rain was pouring down out of dark, ominous clouds. It was truly beautiful. This was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday because it rarely, if ever, rains on the second day of September.
I enjoyed the morning’s cup of coffee as I worked on Daily Devotionals, exercised, ate breakfast, got cleaned up, dressed, and was ready to go to the church. It was raining, which is about the greatest birthday gift.
As I drove down our gravel road towards the front gate, I saw Shannon sitting in her Kubota UTV. She was feeding bottles of milk to our little calf named Mary. It was a comforting sightRealizing that I would have to drive around Shannon, I cautiously pulled off the gravel road onto the edge of the pasture. That was the moment everything changed.
As I felt the truck sink into the mud, I quickly shifted into four wheeled drive, but it was too late. As the tires spun and got absolutely no traction, I realized I wasn’t going anywhere.
After doing everything I knew to do, Shannon drove me back up to the house in the pouring rain, so I could drive the tractor down to the truck and pull it out of the mud. By this time, both of us were drenched to the skin.
I pulled the tractor in front of the truck, ran a chain through the tow hook back to the tractor, and Shannon steered the truck as I dragged the truck out of the mud.
Once the truck was back on the gravel road, I drove the tractor back to the house, changed into dry clothes, and furiously drove to the church. I was an hour late.
Knowing how all this transpired, I’m sure everyone can agree this was Shannon’s fault. If she hadn’t been in the road, I wouldn’t have driven into the swamp. Surely this was her fault, right?
But now that I’ve had some time to think this through, I have to admit it wasn’t her fault, it was mine. Shannon didn’t turn the steering wheel to make me drive off the road. Shannon didn’t forget to put the truck into four wheel drive before it was too late. Ultimately, it was my fault. I just liked blaming someone else for my own stupidity.
My reaction isn’t new. In fact, what I did has been around as long as there have been people.
When God confronts Adam and Eve about eating the forbidden fruit, Adam blames Eve, Eve blames the snake, and no one accepts responsibility for their own actions. But in looking at the Bible, Eve didn’t shove the apple down Adam’s throat and the serpent didn’t force Eve to take a bite. They did it of their own free will. They just didn’t want to admit their sin. But for those who subscribe to Jesus as Lord and Savior, blaming others is a luxury we don’t have.
King Solomon, the wisest of all people, said: “Those who hide their sins won’t succeed, but those who confess and give them up will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
Owning our sins is the first step in reconciling our relationship with God. It is only when we confess we have fallen short that Jesus steps in with mercy and grace. Thank God!
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I often choose my own way instead of yours. I have no excuse. My sins are my responsibility. Please forgive me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Confess and take responsibility for your actions to the One who loves you more than life itself. It matters.
Also, just for the record, it’s still Shannon’s fault.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 