Daily Devotional February 22, 2022

Last Friday, I had surgery on my spine.  And while the surgeon and his team were outstanding, the procedure did take the wind out of my sails.

While in the hospital, I learned two interesting lessons about communication and technology.

The first lesson happened in the early hours of the morning after my surgery.  I had my cell phone, was on heavy duty drugs, and Shannon was not there to supervise.  What could have possibly gone wrong?

This is the text I sent my surgeon’s parents at 4:54 AM.

Dear Buzz and Toni,

I am lying here in this hospital bed with unusual thoughts running through my head.  I suspect it is the drugs.  Please don’t be offended.

I do not know if Mark was the perfect teenager, or the typical teenager that parents sometimes want to kill.  If Mark was the latter, thank you for not killing him.  He has made my back much better.

God Bless,

Tom Robbins

The second lesson happened when Cindy, who is one of the true saints of our church, texted a message of encouragement.  She was concerned about my loopiness.  She did not take into account auto correct.

This is the text Cindy sent.

I hope your Lou penis has worn off.  You certainly don’t need any more than you already have!

So, as you can see, it was a very interesting day.

Our words matter.  That’s why Solomon said, “Much gold and many pearls exist, but wise speech is the most precious jewel.”  (Proverbs 20:15)

The day after my surgery, neither Cindy nor I fell into the Wise Words category.  But they were entertaining.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please help me use wise words to bring joy, healing, and peace.  Help me say the right thing.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

These are the two lessons I learned.

Lesson One: I should never text if I am in the hospital, recovering from surgery, on heavy painkillers, and wide awake in the wee hours of the morning.

Lesson Two:  Cindy should never text – EVER.

Just for the record, my surgeon’s mother responded to my horrible text by writing, “The good days far outweighed the other, as is true of most of life if you look carefully.  We’re so glad you’re better.  We pray your recovery will be swift and uneventful.”

Also, just for the record, I am going to call Cindy’s son, Scott.  He’s my age, a pastor, and much smarter than I am.  I am going to ask him what I am supposed to do with his mother.

And yes, I understand, a good pastor would never give Cindy a hard time for not checking auto correct.  Sadly, for her, she goes to FUMC Temple.  There’s no mercy here.  

Also, if you need spine surgery, I know a guy.

The surgery was a little more intense than I had first thought, I probably won’t be doing Daily Devotionals on a regular basis for a few weeks.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins