Happy are they

Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked,
   nor lingered in the way of sinners,
   nor sat in the seats of the scornful!

Their delight is in the law of the Lord,
  and they meditate on his law day and night.

They are like trees planted by streams of water,
  bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither;
  everything they do shall prosper.   ~Psalm 1:1-3

Grace and peace to you on this gray Saturday afternoon. I am enjoying the light of a fireplace, the warmth of a cup of tea, and the heavenly sounds of Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen.

I am holding each of you by name in prayer, lifting your needs to God. Some of you are suffering from illness. Others are preparing for surgery. Some carry heavy hearts caring for aging parents. Others are grieving loved ones who have died. Even others hold sadness and anger at the loss of a job. Amid these challenges, some are celebrating the birth of a grandchild or looking forward to the birth of your own child. Yesterday we celebrated love. Joy and sadness are intertwined. I hope that each of you had some one to call or spend time with. This is a complicated time. It is a dear time.

Know that I hold you in prayer. Even more, know that God holds you in love.

In my father’s never-ending enterprise to raise learned children, he assigned my brother and I psalms to memorize, beginning with Psalm 1. It is a good psalm to begin such a task with its cheerful “Happy are they….” Indeed, God desires our happiness. And our gladness is rooted in God.

My hope is that no matter your circumstances, you find some joy today. Hang on to even the tiniest bit of gladnesses. Hold onto God’s love and hope. Remain rooted in the knowledge that you are made in God’s image. Be like a tree planted by a stream of water. In due season you will bear fruit.

You are in my prayers.