Whenever someone in our church goes above and beyond, I give them a free funeral (Pastor Part Only). And now that I am working on my 15th year as pastor of FUMC Temple, I have given away quite a few free funerals. Some of our members have racked up a bunch.
Jim is one of those. He’s in much better shape than most men in their 20s. That’s because he works out like a fiend every day. Even though he’s 83, I have never worried about having to make good on any of his free funerals because of his excellent physical condition. Then, two weeks ago, Jim was rushed to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with COVID-19. I prayed a lot.
Thankfully, Jim has made a full recovery and is back to riding his bike.
What follows is an email exchange between Jim and me. In the subject box of the initial email, I wrote “Superman.”
Me: “I praise God you are okay. I think you would be even better if you started exercising and got into good physical condition.
God Bless, Tom”
Jim: “Or buy a ranch, tractor and a bunch of cows?
Thanks for your note. Put my free funeral back in the bank.”
Me: “Can I use this for a daily devotional?”
Jim: “Be kind, but OK with me.”
What I love about Jim is that he knows someday I will have to pay up on his free funeral but it’s not today. He’s not afraid of the future. He lives in the present.
Did you know today is all we are guaranteed? Sadly, many people are so focused on the future, they forget to live in the moment. But I truly believe God wants us to live each day as if it were our last. God wants us to live in the present.
James said: “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
So if this is your last day, make it count.
Ask forgiveness from those you have hurt. Forgive those who have hurt you. Take time to ensure your loved ones know they are cherished. Take a moment to truly look at this beautiful world God created. Strive to make this day really count and make a difference for others. These are the sorts of things that make life worth living. It matters.
Prayer: “Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me live in the moment. Allow me to make a difference for those who are suffering. Give me wisdom, joy, and peace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Today, Jim will be riding his bike and making the most of this day. I hope you will too.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 