Daily Devotional September 23, 2020

Yesterday morning, as I was getting ready for work, rain poured down.  I knew I was about to get soaked walking from the house to the truck, then opening and shutting both the top gate and the road gate.  For me, getting wet wasn’t an option because sugar melts.

As I stood in the garage, looking at the buckets of rain coming down and wondering the fastest way to get into the truck, Shannon said, “Hang on a minute.  Let me get my raincoat and I will open the gates for you.”

Then she put on her raincoat, ran out into the rain and opened the top gate, hopped in her SUV, drove down to the road, and held that gate open as I pulled onto the road.  She got drenched in the process.

As I drove to the church, I kept thinking, “That is one good woman.”

I wonder if I would have done the same for her?

I’m pretty sure if Shannon had asked me to open the gates so she wouldn’t get wet; I would have risked my sugary-self getting soaked to make her life easier.  The problem is it would never occur to me to do it.  She would have had to ask.  That’s because my orientation is different than Shannon’s.

I am oriented primarily towards me.  My wants, my needs, my desires, and my wishes – it’s all about me.

Shannon’s orientation is not towards herself, but instead, what is best for her husband.  That’s what makes our marriage work.   One of us knows what really matters while the other is still a work in progress.

Orientation matters.

For those who follow Christ, our primary orientation cannot be towards self.  That’s looking in the wrong direction.  Our orientation is towards God’s will for our lives.  This means thinking of others first and working to alleviating the tremendous suffering we encounter.

Paul said, “Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.”  (Philippians 2:4 CEB)

So, don’t be like me.  Be like Shannon.  She’s got it figured out.  I’m not quite there yet.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me remember I am here to serve rather than be served.  Guide my thoughts, words, and actions.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

In a world that is filled with hurt, despair, anger, poverty, and hopelessness; God expects us to make a difference.  That’s why we are here.

Just for the record, because of the sugar melting comment, I know you are wondering why it was less risky for Shannon to get wet than me?  I think the answer is obvious.

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