Thoughts for the Day, from Wendy
When we bought our house 25 years ago, the real estate agent described it as having a peek-a-boo view. Certainly, what we see over the neighbour’s carport roof is not the panorama that some enjoy from their living room. Much is obscured by the stand of stalwart firs across the street.
And yet, from my small corner of the sofa and past the neighbour’s clothesline, I can watch the snow-capped Island mountains grow dazzling in the morning sun, see the ocean take on the moods of the weather above it, marvel at the apricot brush-strokes of wispy clouds against a sunset sky, and get a measure of the wind’s force from the dancing branches in that curtain of trees.
All of these are reminders to me that there is a larger and more abiding framework to our world than our own moment-to-moment lives. This earth and this universe are both intricately and beautifully created, reflecting an infinitely creative and caring God who is so much more than we can conceive from our own little peek-a-boo view.
Psalm 121 comes to me when I take the time to look beyond the preoccupations and worries of the moment, and really see what’s in front of me:
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.
Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep.
The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side.
The sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.
The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.” [CSB Version]
Prayer:
Creator God,
When we are tempted to be overwhelmed with the anxieties of our current situation,
help us to be reassured that the sun will rise and the sun will set,
and the hills will continue to stand, reminding us that your steadfast love and care transcend all of our issues of the moment.
Open our eyes to see the bigger picture beyond our little corners,
and inspire us to share that most beautiful feature of your creation —
your limitless love.
Amen.