Because of Shannon’s hip replacement surgery, many in our church have been very gracious in offering assistance. I don’t know if it is because they are afraid I am not a good nurse, they just want to help, or they have a completely different agenda. Carol is a good example of a completely different agenda.
This is a portion of last Friday’s text message conversation with Carol.
“If you are preaching Sunday and don’t want Shannon to be alone, I’ll be happy to stay with her during that time.”
“Thank you. I will holler if I need you.”
“Anything to get out of your sermon. Oh my. Did I say that out loud!”
“While I preach forgiveness, that doesn’t mean I believe in it.”
Needless to say, I was offended.
Have you ever met someone who always seems to be looking for a reason to be offended? It is as if they enjoy making sure others know of their disapproval. These are the sorts of people who expect everyone to always be politically correct and conform to their understanding of what is appropriate and what is not. They suck the joy out of life for themselves and others. Also, they don’t have a sense of humor. Don’t be one of them.
Life is not perfect. It’s messy. Dealing with people is not perfect. It’s messy. Always looking for a reason to be offended makes life much harder than it has to be.
The wisest person to ever exist said, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Today you have a choice. You can be a sourpuss and look for reasons to be offended, unhappy, and miserable. You can also choose to shake off the imperfections of life and be a person of joy, peace, and laughter. It’s up to you.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, fill me with you, peace, and laughter. I pray the way I live makes life easier for others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God has given us a choice on how to live in this broken world. Jesus’ followers choose joy.
Just for the record, I have made the choice to forgive Carol.
Also know the next time I preach on sin; I am going to stare at Carol through the entire sermon.
That’ll fix her wagon.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 