Satisfaction

Lloyd Dobbler is in the basement now.
I don't mean right this second.
That's where he works.
Had I told you guys that before?
Maybe I mentioned it when I was explaining why
I am cowering 'neath this 1987 Goliath monitor on
the small desk I now have in my room. We took
the big desk down to the basement for Lloyd Dobbler's
office (and he has all cool, new, modern equipment down
there). So he's home all the time now. He's working
from home. So twice a day (usually) I go down
the steps with a tray in my hand taking the poor man
in the dungeon some bread and water.
Actually, I take him good food most of the time.
It seems like since we've all been home, we go through
food faster than I can buy it and put it on the shelf
and it seems like I am spending every moment of
the day in the kitchen. But Lloyd Dobbler loves for me
to bring him down the little tray of food.
You should see his eyes light up in anticipation
when I come around the corner.
He can't really see what's on the tray until I get closer.
Sometimes it's pork tenderloin and potato patties
and cantaloupe and Asagio bread.
And then sometimes it's leftovers.
Or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a banana.
And oh, the sad, crestfallen look he gives
when he thinks I'm coming down the stairs
with caviar and it's only tuna salad.
On these occasions when I witness my dearly beloved
fall from the heights of joy to the depths of despair,
I sing him a little song.
"Some days are diamonds,
some days are stone."

Do you know that one?
It's an old John Denver song.
Guess who used to play it for me when I was a kid?
The same uncle and cousin who had me
skating around their living room in my sock feet
to "Heaven's Just A Sin Away"
(you and I recently discussed that tacky song).

"Some days are diamonds,
some days are stone."
I kind of don't think John Denver was singing
about a variety in menu choices when he sang
that song. Every time I sing that little ditty,
I think how true those words are.
Some days are smooth sailing all the way,
and some days are digging ditches.
My mom would say it like this:
"Chicken today, feathers tomorrow."
Another guy you may have heard of, his name was Job,
said, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord."
And what did Paul say?
"I have learned in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content."
This is something I am learning---to be the same
whether things are good or bad,
high or low,
rich or broke,
healthy or hurting,
diamonds or stone.
It is always right to be thankful.
We always have so much to be thankful for.
And to be content with what has been given you
is just a sign that you acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

"God never moves
without purpose or plan
when trying a servant
or molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord,
though your testing seems long.
In darkness He giveth a song.
Oh rejoice in the Lord!
He makes no mistakes
for He knoweth the end
of each path that I take.
For when I am tried
and purified
I shall come forth as gold."