Saturday night, we had the Senior Celebration Dinner at the Daniel’s farm. It was great.
Knowing it was going to be very warm and much of it would be outside, I decided to wear shorts.
Rarely do my legs ever see the light of day but I knew everyone would be in awe of their perfection.
When I walked into the barn, someone screamed, “I’m blind,” while Michael said something about legs like a pelican, and Martha screamed, “I only look at someone’s eyes.”
These harsh comments got me thinking.
Aren’t my legs the perfect male specimens? Doesn’t everyone want glowing, neon white skin? Aren’t stick thin legs what everyone strives for? Most importantly, if I don’t have a realistic understanding of my legs, what else am I getting wrong?
The reason this is on my mind is because of the devotional I use first thing in the morning. Each week it has a different closing. This week’s forced me to examine my, sometimes too pious, understanding of my devotion to God and recognize I’ve got a lot of work to do.
It closes with these words, “I do love you, my Lord, but not faithfully enough. I confess that my love runs hot and cold. My God, help me to understand this mystery about myself. Why must my relationship with you be a come-and -go affair?”
In those moments when I want to think I have it all together and the effort I put into my relationship with God is always exemplary, I need to remember Paul’s words of caution to the Christians in Ephesus, “You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Our most important relationship is the one with the One who truly matters. It is always a work in progress.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for your never-ending, life-giving grace. Please help me put you first in every aspect of my life. Give me the strength and wisdom necessary to set aside foolish pride. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
In taking a realistic look at my devotion to God, I’ve got a long way to go. I will keep working on it.
In taking a realistic look at my legs, I think they got it wrong. My legs are awesome.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 