I have earned and been awarded different titles in my life – Pastor, Reverend, Doctor, Doofus, the list goes on and on….
But there is one title I have clearly earned but never officially been given the title. I am the world’s worst trailer backer upper.
I can make trailers go in directions that neither God nor I intend. It’s a gift.
A few years ago, Shannon and I had taken our travel trailer to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. It was breathtakingly beautiful.
One evening, as we were sitting in lawn chairs outside the trailer, a couple was trying to back a trailer into the spot next to us. It was not going well.
The wife was standing behind the trailer trying to direct her very frustrated husband as he backed the trailer.
Time after time after time, as he would back up, the trailer would go in the wrong direction. It was clear he had very little experience with trailers. To make matters worse, his wife, in trying to help, was no help at all. Many times, she was actually telling him to turn the steering wheel the wrong direction.
They grew more and more frustrated with each other. Their voices got much louder and their language got rougher.
As we watched the soap opera next to us, Shannon said, “You ought to go over and offer to back in the trailer for him.” It was clear Shannon did not know the unwritten rule where a man never asks to back up another man’s trailer. It’s a true insult.
I told her it wasn’t a good idea.
Then Shannon and the irritated wife began to talk. Before I knew what had happened, Shannon told the wife I would be happy to help back up the trailer. Needless to say, she did not know of my earned but never awarded title.
Both the irritated husband and wife agreed that I should give it a try. So, in order to save their marriage, and the fact that I always do what Shannon asks/tells me to. I hopped into the truck, pulled forward, put it in reverse, and the trailer went exactly where it was supposed to go.
At that moment, I heard the angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus, the birds chirped in harmony, and beautiful rays of sunshine streamed down on the perfectly placed, trailer. It was a miracle.
The point to this meandering story is the husband and wife were so angry at each other over his inability to back a trailer, they were on the verge of a true meltdown. The same can happen to any of us.
If we aren’t careful, we can make mountains out of mole hills. I know because I’m an expert.
But if we just sit back, relax, and take a calm look at the problem, we will see that the world keeps spinning and God on still the Master of the Universe. A solution will present itself. It’s about a different perspective.
So, in those moments when you feel overwhelmed by life, clear your head, remember this too shall pass, calmly seek a solution, and know that God is here.
Scripture teaches, “Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.” (Proverbs 15:18)
Don’t be a hothead.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments of frustration and angst, give me peace, wisdom, and guidance. Remind me of your continual presence and love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
No matter how frustrating your day may be, God is in control and the world will keep spinning. Remembering this makes the challenges you face manageable.
Also, if you need a trailer backed up, I’m your man.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 