Yesterday was Labor Day, so I labored.
I spent from 8:30 AM until 6:30 PM, transporting 80 round bales of hay from a field we lease from Wade and Linda, back to our place, where it was dumped and then stacked in the fenced hay enclosure. It took two tractors, one heavy duty truck, a hay trailer, and the most beautiful gate opener in the history of gate openers. Her name is Shannon.
By the end of the day, I was a pooped troop.
The good news is these 75 additional bales, plus what I already had will be enough to make it through the entire winter. Because of this summer’s drought, some people weren’t as fortunate and had to sell some, or all their cattle.
As I proudly looked at the long rows of hay bales, the first thought that ran through my head was, “Look what I did.” Luckily, very quickly, God made sure I saw I was only a small part of a much bigger story.
The real reason I have enough hay is because we leased a hay field owned by Wade and Linda, hired Michael’s crew to cut, rake, and bale it, borrowed Kent’s hay trailer to move the hay to our place, and Wade loaded and helped transport, while Shannon continually opened and closed the gates. My one-man show really was a huge group effort. This got me thinking.
Many of us go through life thinking we are completely independent and need no one. That’s a harmful delusion.
First, we were made to be on community with one another, and most importantly, with God.
Second, in our interconnected world, we depend on others for companionship, the basic necessities of life, and, most importantly, God’s active presence.
Third, to somehow think we don’t need others is incredibly arrogant because it says no one is more important than we are. Instead of turning to God and saying, “Thy will be done,” we look away and pretend God isn’t real and at best, is an afterthought. That’s the road to disaster.
Long ago, a king was warned to discard his arrogance and understand he was part of a much bigger picture. The bible says, “Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:29-30)
At that moment, having already warned King Nebuchadnezzar his arrogant attitude was going to get him in trouble, God gave Nebuchadnezzar what can best be described as a painful attitude adjustment.
When Nebuchadnezzar realized the error of his ways, he said, “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” (Daniel 4:37)
Many who will read today’s devotional will, by the standards of our world, have accomplished great things. Remember who made your accomplishments possible. None of us are in this alone. God’s the One who makes it work.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please forgive my pride and ego. Give me a heart of humility. Guide my steps, thoughts, and speech. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
As you go through the routines of the day, know you depend on others, and most importantly, you depend on God.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 