NorthStar Community Daily Devotional

April 19

A series of collaborative works with my mother-in-law, who died three weeks ago…

Scripture focus: How can I stand up before God and show proper respect to the high God? Should I bring an armload of offerings topped off with yearling calves? Would God be impressed with thousands of rams, with buckets and barrels of olive oil? Would he be moved if I sacrificed my firstborn child, my precious baby, to cancel my sin? But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. Micah 6:6-8 The Message

In the next few devotionals, we’re going to talk about: respect, compassionate and loyal love, and not taking ourselves too seriously. But first, a funny story.

One of the things that experience has taught me has to do with keeping secrets – that is never a good thing. Just don’t do it! Here’s why. Things that we think are embarrassing, often become the catalyst for the balm of laughter.

Once, a long time ago, Marion went on a trip to Florida with two friends. While away, they decided to take a day cruise. They drove the rental car to the designated location, parked and headed off for their tour boat. At the conclusion of a relaxing, albeit warm day of cruising, the designated driver went to grab the rental car keys out of her purse – and they weren’t there! How could that be, the ladies wondered? As they walked to the car, they began to envision the possibilities. Might they have to call the rental car to come and provide a second set of keys? How much would that cost? What if the keys were in the ignition, now that was a possibility – but the car would be locked, how would they get to the keys? Could they get a locksmith and how much would he charge? What if the car had been stolen – they ruminated over the possibility and wondered what the policy was for losing a rental car?

Relieved, they spotted the car in the distance. They hurried toward it, hoping to see the keys in the ignition or on the seat. Blessing upon blessings, Marion called out, “Oh look! The doors aren’t locked, if the keys are in there, we’re home free!” Rounding the bumper and heading toward the driver’s door – there were the keys – in the ignition. In great relief, the ladies collapsed on the hood of the car….only to notice how very hot…and noisy it was….Oh my!

A call to one of the sons for advice. “We left the keys in the ignition…with the car running…all day for nine hours…what should we do now?”

“Fill the car up with gas, you probably need it.” Humor comes in handy when your mother travels without son supervision. We never asked, and they didn’t tell whether or not they shared this story with the rental car company. I’m sure the statute of limitations has passed. But for our part, we’ll never buy a used rental car.

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