One of the fascinating/frustrating things about recovering from back surgery is having to watch Shannon do all the work.
Earlier this year, before I knew surgery was in my future, I had planned to plant a pasture with Bermuda grass seed. Because I am on the injured reserve list, Shannon decided to plant the field for me.
To plant the field, Shannon used her tractor to plow it three times, then used a drag harrow to break up the remaining dirt clods and smooth the field.
Next, she mixed one thousand pounds of sand with the tiny Bermuda seeds, loaded it on the tractor’s broadcast spreader and seeded the field.
After that, she finished the process by using a cultipacker to place the seed at the proper depth in the soil.
Once it was all said and done, Shannon closed the gate. The field was officially planted.
From what I saw, Shannon did everything exactly the way she was supposed to but that doesn’t guarantee success. If it doesn’t rain, all her hard work will be for nothing.
This is why farming and going to Las Vegas have so much in common. They are both a gamble but that’s how life works.
Sometimes a person works hard their entire life but never seems to get ahead, while someone else just happens to be at the right place and the right time.
Sometimes a person who is a courteous driver, wears a seatbelt, and makes sure to obey all the rules of the road, is rear-ended by someone checking text messages instead of paying attention to the traffic around them.
Sometimes, even though we do everything right, life doesn’t work out the way we hoped.
In an unpredictable world with infinite options and contingencies, how are we supposed to live?
Centuries ago, the Teacher examined his life and found the only solution that gives direction and stability in an unpredictable world. He said, “The end of all the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
In other words, put God first and do the best you can.
This doesn’t mean life will always go your way and you will never face failure, confusion, or dismay. It means you have placed your trust in the only One who is a solid foundation in a world filled with uncertainty.
God will see you through. I promise.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as the world clamors for my attention, help me focus on your love and purpose for my life. Help me place you first. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sometimes life goes our way. Sometimes it doesn’t. But no matter what happens, God is always good. There’s no gamble with God. It’s a sure bet.
Also, just for the record, there are chances of rain Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
I think Shannon’s bet will pay off.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 