Daniel Outclassed the Others

I looked forward to this day for months. Martha, at Aurora’s Beauty Salon, was cutting my hair for Derek’s wedding next week. My curls love her. They form pretty spirals that lay obediently on my head.

After my appointment, I went shopping because I had to stay in town for practice. Then I chose a restaurant that served pie.

The “Pie of the Day” was not one I cared for and I resisted temptation. I’m eating dessert once a week. Saying “No” to a piece of pie this week means I can say “Yes” to dessert at the rehearsal dinner and wedding.

The chicken in my dinner was great – it reminded me of my grandmother’s. But the waitress forgot butter for the homemade roll and the coleslaw. She was in high school and I decided to give her grace.

As I checked out, I asked if I was to get coleslaw with my dinner. Embarrassed, she offered to get me some “to go.” I said, “Yes, please.” I didn’t mention the missing butter and gave her a large tip. I emulated what I read in Daniel today.

Daniel 6:3, 4, “…Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence…outclassed the other(s)…[They] got together to find some old scandal or skeleton in Daniel’s life…but they couldn’t dig up anything. He was totally exemplary and trustworthy. …no evidence of negligence or misconduct.” The Message

Those are high standards Daniel set:

Brimming with spirit.
Intelligent.
Classy.
Free of scandal.
Exemplary (a desirable model, the best of its kind).
Trustworthy.
Never negligent.
No misconduct.

Daniel stayed loyal to God, praying three times a day. He took a strong stand and kept his head on straight. Then he walked out of the lion’s den after spending the night there. The lions tore the men, who were thrown in later, to pieces before their bodies hit the ground.

Daniel 11:32, 33, “…those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand. Those who keep their heads on straight will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example.” The Message

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