Daily Devotional for June 29, 2022

I have a lot of favorite people in my life.  Don is one of them.  Don is a research chemist.  
 
One day, I asked Don to explain his latest research.
 
After a few minutes of politely listening as Don spoke in a language I’d never heard before, I started to cry.  At that moment, I realized not even God understood what Don was working on.
 
Last week, Don had surgery.  He wasn’t in great shape before the surgery, and I was very worried.  Then, I got the following text from Barbara.
 
“I thought you would like to know: Don is lying in bed with tubes everywhere, and basically miserable BUT he insisted that I be sure to get our tithe checks in this month (since that is usually his job).  LOL”
 
Clearly, Don and Barbara know what is dear to my heart.
 
Monday, I visited Don in the hospital.  There were still tubes everywhere and I could tell he wasn’t feeling well.  But Don made it a point to tell me how blessed he was, he knew God loved him, and he felt God’s presence in the hospital.  
 
This uplifting conversation got me thinking.
 
Clearly, Don is one of the most intelligent and spiritually mature people I’ve ever met.  Even during pain and an uncertain future, he was able to see past himself to what really mattered.
 
I, on the other hand, whenever I get a splinter, stub my toe, or get up on the wrong side of the bed, can only focus on how hard my life is and how I wish God would make it all better.
 
Clearly, I am not a spiritually mature person.
 
If you find yourself on the Tom end of the spectrum, strive for the Don end of the spectrum.
 
I hope you are at a good place in life, but if not, know the God of the Universe is in your corner.  Whether you are faithful or not, sometimes life is hard.  This does not mean God is not good.  
 
I hope when I grow up, I am more like Don than Tom.  That would be a huge step up.
 
Isaiah said, “Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”  (Isaiah 49:13)
 
God has placed someone in your life to help you grow.  Don is one of my someones.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am tempted to focus on my petty concerns, remind me of your all-powerful, healing love.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
I love Don for his wisdom and the fact that, even in the hospital, he remembered to tithe.
 
Also, just for the record, at the end of a meeting yesterday, Ellen told me she and Pat were leaving for a trip, but not to worry, they would still send their money.
 
My congregation finally understands what matters most to me. 
 
That really did make my day.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins