Last Friday was a miserably wet, rainy day. But, rain or shine, I had some chores that needed to be done.
One of these, was taking our recycling items to the recycling center in Temple. That’s when I got a call from Shannon asking if I would go to HEB and buy paper towels. Since I always do what I am asked/told, I immediately went to the store.
I walked into the entrance with the floral arrangements and saw that they had Shannon’s favorite – white roses.
Realizing being married to me isn’t always the privilege I think it is, I decided to buy Shannon a dozen white roses. I slid the immaculate flowers into a plastic sleeve, got the paper towels, and was on my way.
When I walked out of HEB, it had begun to rain. As I walked to the truck, I saw that I had parked in a puddle of very dirty water.
Balancing the huge bundle of paper towels in one hand, while also holding the white roses, I reached for my keys. And without realizing it, I turned the bouquet of roses sideways. The beautiful white roses slid out of the plastic sleeve and landed in the puddle of gross parking lot water. The white roses weren’t white anymore.
I quickly gathered them up, put everything in the truck, and drove home.
As I was driving home, Shannon called to ask how my day was going. I told her in a dramatic way of my undying love and devotion, and how my plan to surprise her with beautiful white roses had backfired. She laughed and said, “It’s the thought that counts.” This got me thinking.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines, “It’s the thought that counts,”as “used to say that good or kind intentions are the most important thing, even if what you do or give someone is not perfect.”
I suspect God looks at all my good intentioned failures and says, “It’s the thought that counts.”
God doesn’t expect us to always be successful but God does expect us to always try. There will be times when our very best intentions fail to make a difference, but it’s the thought that counts. That’s what God honors.
Paul said, “And let us not grow weary of doing good deeds, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Even in those moments when we believe we have failed, God expects us to keep trying. It’s the thought that counts.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, there are times when my best intentions fail to make a difference. In those moments, remind me of your power to use everything for good. Please use me today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God uses our successes and failures to bring about his purpose of love, reconciliation, forgiveness, service, and harmony. All God asks is that we do our very best. God will do the heavy lifting.
Also, just for the record, Shannon rinsed off the dirty roses. They are beautiful.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 