A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERTURBED

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

(Philippians 3:13) - Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (Luke 9:62) - And Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Well, no need of an introduction, a prelude, or a prologue. I feel like rambling, so let’s get right to it. How’s it going with you and yours this fine sunny warm spring day? As for us, we are all A-OK. Just keeping on, keeping on. The fire’s softly burning and suppers on the stove.

Just for starters, I got home with our drive-thru morning fast-food breakfast to an unwanted surprise. Along with our breakfast sandwiches were hash-browns which we did not order. Being older than dirt and twice as gritty, if you want to perturb my day, upset my routine applecart, it is very simple. Just be given an unwanted breakfast, before starting the day off on the wrong foot

Now for the day's agenda, starting with a normal mid-morning snack of candy bar and coke. Piddle off and on during the day on the PC or laptop. Later in the afternoon, while watching the business TV channel, sneak a Drumstick ice cream cone from the garage fridge. And continue by thinking of the day being ruined by receiving those unwanted hash-browns, all the live-long day.

Oh well, such is life in the fast lane. The rest is history. You see, I now have just so much energy for the day. I can jump through it and only last a bit. Or I can stretch it out to last me all day.

Now, don’t say it. I know you must be right, my good-hearted church compadre. I’ve beaten you to the punch. To the confession booth punch that is. No, that’s not my religion, nor do I have to consult the so-called booth of repentance. I go straight to God Himself.

Do I feel better? You bet your glory boots I do. I can now go out and conquer the world. For what’s a hash-brown anyway, but some mashed up artificial potatoes mixed with a little flour and milk substitutes for fake nutrition’s sake?

Aside from those unwanted hash-browns is a main issue of life for me. How this old progressive messed-up world manages to remain on its axis is beyond me. There has to be some divine effort behind the scenes, some divine hand of mercy in the background guiding us all through the mess.

Oh, you’re not sure of the cause and effect of such goings on out there in our world of today, and possibly on into tomorrow, as you seriously look through all the doom and gloom. Join the crowd of one, for I am right there with you, sitting on the mourner’s bench. You see I’ve been there and done that. I’ve seen it all down through the ages of time.

If only the world would, or could, just figure out the secret behind all this divine effort. They could, it’s so simple it’s kind of silly. Just pick up that big family Bible from off the coffee table and begin reading. Grandmother has already marked out a plan for you. Simply follow the red markings and her notes.

And oh yes, by the way, I almost forgot, what is tomorrow anyway? There’s no such thing as tomorrow, because tomorrow is just another day. I’m reminded of a sign hanging in the grocery store, when I was but a mere lad, “Free Groceries Tomorrow” it read. Oh well, it’s all I can do to make it through today. My get up and go has long since got up and gone, if you know what I mean, butter bean.

Well, I hate to break up this random musing conversation. It’s time for my morning snooze. Will you forgive me? Better still, would you like to join me out on the back yard patio? Don’ worry about the big, old hound dog, over in the corner. He’s not only useless, he’s also harmless, since he lost his teeth. But we all just love him to death, even though it costs an arm and a leg to keep him up, in today’s inflationary world.

As the saying goes, see you in the funny papers. By the way, the only thing I know is what I read in the papers. Who does that sound like? Oh yes, I forgot, that was years ago, way before your time. So, see you later alligator, or after while crocodile.

Don’t get me wrong. I have my rights, I think, unless unbeknownst to me they have taken away. I’m still a bit perturbed, but I’ve saved my fast-food receipt, and it will be challenged next trip around. Just one more thing in today’s world, if you are ready to ask for forgiveness. From family, from friends, and to be sure from up above. Just where are you hiding out, preacher? I need your help again.

Again, as in the beginning of this blog, no need of an epilogue, a conclusion, or an ending. I might decide to continue on with these thoughtful musings down the line sometime. So, for now let us just “ring down the curtain.” And join me in rendering a big amen. It will all come out in the wash.

"Dear, dear, can you please pass me the morning fish wrapper? Pretty please, with sugar on it.? And don’t forget the decaf coffee and sweet roll. Love you!" Amen!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Surprise, surprise, you thought I was through with my musing? I just had to get this last word of divine Scripture into the mix. You see, it’s a prayer asking God to help us speak and think in ways that are pleasing to Him. Is there anything else I can help you with? OK, bye for now.

AUTHOR'S POSTSCRIPT

The Bible says in (1 Thessalonians 5:18) “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

So, on second thought, “Frankly, I shouldn’t be perturbed by an unexpected order of hash browns in my fast-food bag. I should eat it and be thankful for an extra blessing from God's hand. Amen!