Daily Devotional for August 16, 2022

I am very worried about Shannon’s addiction.  It’s not drugs or alcohol.  It’s much worse.
 
My wife is addicted to trees.  In fact, if we drive by a nursery and don’t stop, she looks like a crack addict going through withdrawal and the only way to stop her uncontrollable shaking, fever, and grouchiness is to give her a shot of NARCAN.
 
Shannon and I have planted sixty-four trees in our yard. I know because I counted.
 
We have a huge variety including fruit, shade, and decorative trees in various stages of growth.  Some of them won’t fully mature until I am in heaven. 
 
That’s okay because I know those who follow us will benefit from our hard work.
 
As the old Native American proverb says, “Blessed is he who plants trees under whose shade he will never sit.”
 
As our politicians argue about the causes of climate change, it is clear something is happening to our world.
 
Texas is in a drought, Kentucky is floating away, and California is on fire and running out of water.
 
While this may sound simplistic, I truly believe as climate change continues to reshape our planet, efforts like planting trees and other acts of ecological stewardship, are generous ways to give to future generations.
 
Shannon’s father always said, “Leave it better than you found it.”  That’s what we intend to do
 
Scripture says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  (Hebrews 13:16)
 
God has given us a wonderful world and God expects us to take care of it.  This was Adam and Eve’s original assignment before they encountered the serpent.  They blew it and we’ve been going downhill ever since.
 
At the beginning of history, God gave us a purpose.  Nothing’s changed.
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me.  Help me make a difference in this broken world.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
 Did I tell you Shannon brought home another tree the other day?  That’s right! I am now the proud owner of a banana tree.  Now all I have to do is plant it.
God help me.
 
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins