This past weekend, I experienced the acronym FOMO. This stands for Fear Of Missing Out. That’s because I needed to be at two important events at the exact same time.
Breana and Jason had asked me to conduct their wedding in Castorville, Texas. At the same moment the wedding was scheduled to take place, the MidTex Conference of the Global Methodist Church was meeting in Waco, to have the very first ordination service in the entire denomination. Because I am chair of the Board of Ministry, I was to take part in that historic moment. This is where FOMO came to play. I genuinely wanted to be at two places at the exact same time and felt like I was missing out.
Saturday morning, at the business meeting of the MidTex Conference, I had the privilege of introducing each of the ordinands to the conference, and then left to drive to Castorville, TX.
Having never been there before and not knowing where it was, I typed the address for the First Baptist Church of Castorville into my truck’s navigation system and decided to let the woman in the dashboard yell at me until I got there.
As a sidenote, I discovered Castorville is just south of Argentina. I drove forever but it was worth it.
The wedding was exactly what a wedding is supposed to be; short, sacred, and joyful. Also, when it came to the vows, I worked in one where Jason promised to obey Breana for the rest of his life. And while he didn’t see that one coming, I could tell he just assumed he would have to anyways.
After taking some pictures with the bride and groom, it was time to get back on the road to rest before Sunday services.
So, did I choose to do the right thing by conducting a wedding instead of being at the ordination service? You bet. I wouldn’t change a thing.
While I regret not being to be there when many of my friends were ordained as pastors, it was much more important that I perform the sacred service of uniting two people together for the rest of their lives. And besides, Dr. Oliver was able to stand in for me at the ordination service and did a much better job than I would have.
So, what is the point to this meandering devotional about me experiencing FOMO?
No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to cover all the obligations in your life. That’ doesn’t mean you are a failure. It means you are human.
Do the very best you can to live a life that brings a smile to God’s face. God will take care of the rest.
This is what Paul meant by saying, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, there are times when I have too much to do. Help me to discern what matters most. I want my life to reflect your priorities. Use me for your purpose. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
This past weekend was great. While I didn’t get all the bases as covered the way I wished, I did the best I could. That’s all God expects.
Also, just for the record, I love my life. I hope you love yours.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 