Yesterday evening, I drove to Riesel to look at some cows I was thinking about buying. I met the old, weathered looking rancher and we walked to the pens. After looking for quite some time, I selected two.
Loading the cows was an adventure because they decided they didn’t want to get into the trailer. Eventually, they did.
After loading the cows, the rancher and I visited for a few minutes. He asked me what I did for a living. I think it was because it was clear by the way I backed up the trailer, I wasn’t a rancher.
After learning I was a Methodist pastor, he said he was Lutheran. He explained his pastor had recently retired. Then he asked about retirement in the Methodist church.
I told him that pastors in the Methodist church were eligible for retirement after forty years of service or on their sixty-fifth birthday. Then I explained that mandatory retirement wasn’t until seventy-two and that I was only fifty-eight and was a long way from thinking about retiring.
Then the old, weather rancher smiled and said, “Why, you are only two years older than I am.” I think he thought the age gap was much bigger. I was offended but his comment got me thinking.
When I look in the mirror, I still see a devastatingly handsome twenty-five year old. Apparently, the old rancher didn’t see what I see.
Do I really look much older than a rancher that looks like he’s been rode hard and put up wet? Does the world see a different Tom than the one that stares back at me in a mirror? Do I not see myself clearly?
Obviously not.
But there is One who sees me for who I really am. This is the One who knows both the good and the bad that is in my heart, yet chooses to love me anyways. This is always a surprise to me because I know me. I’m not much of a catch. But there is One, who chose to die for the real me and for this, I will always be thankful.
Always remember, no matter what others think about you or what you think about yourself, there is One who sees you, warts and all. This One paid the highest cost so that you could live forever. This One sees you as precious. This is the One that matters.
Paul said,“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
God sees us for who we truly are but still chooses to love us. That’s a miracle.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me see myself with clarity. Show me how to live a life that pleases you. Forgive my many sins and guide me on your path. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God sees the real you. This is the One who will always love you.
Also, just for the record, yesterday, that ancient rancher hurt my delicate feelings. I intend to spend the rest of today pouting.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 