Today's daily devotion

The Flat Tent Club

“I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be.”—AMOS 9:11 NIV

The day before, when Laura helped her elderly mother rise from the sofa, her own back popped. Now she tried to rub away the pain as she entered the dentist’s office. The doctor’s suggestion of dentures didn’t brighten Laura’s day.

When she told her mom the bad news, Laura saw a little grin rise to the older woman’s lips. “I’m glad you find this so funny!” Laura complained.

“It’s not funny,” Mom responded, touching Laura’s cheek. “It’s just hard for me to believe my baby is joining the Flat Tent Club.”

Laura looked at Mom bewilderedly, wondering if her mother was “losing it.”

“You haven’t heard of the Flat Tent Club?” Mom leafed through her worn Bible. “It’s right here.”

Laura read verse 9:11 in the book of Amos. “It makes me think of camping during thunderstorms when I was a kid.” She grinned a little, too. “So you and I are flat tents?”

“You’ve got plenty of wear in you—just need a few repairs!”Mom patted her shoulder. “But I won’t hold together much longer. Getting hard to prop me up!” Her keen blue eyes softened. “Hard on you.”

“Mom, I’m fine.” Laura’s back really didn’t feel that bad.

“It won’t be long before God restores me. I’ll look even better than brand-new. You won’t be able to keep up with me!”