The Plumbline

God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile! The whole country will see how you work, all the godless nations see how you save. God! Let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you. Let all far-flung people become happy and shout their happiness because you judge them fair and square, you tend the far-flung peoples. God! Let people thank and enjoy you. Let all people thank and enjoy you. Earth, display your exuberance! You mark us with blessing, O God, our God. You mark us with blessing, O God. Earth’s four corners—honor him! (Psalm 67) We all bear some "marks" in our lives. Some will have a tattoo on the shoulder - of Mickey Mouse or a hibiscus flower. Others might have a birthmark on their back, the shape of Texas or oblong like a hot dog. Others might have a scar or two - from a recent surgery or bike ride that went wrong. There are all kinds of "marks" we bear, aren't there? Some are of our choosing, while others are clearly there becaus

There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make us rejoice . (John Calvin) Too often we almost pass by tremendous things of beauty and never even consider they were put there for our enjoyment! I stop to watch the inch worm make his way from one leaf to another. I observe the slowness and tenacity of the small snail in the garden. I notice the fragility of the opening bud on the hibiscus bush knowing full-well it will be short-lived, but cast such a brightness into the garden. I watch as the leaves slowly descend to the ground on a hot summer's day. These were meant for our enjoyment, not just a casual glance now and again! This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today! (Psalm 118:24) This morning I wish to ask a question: "What have you only casually observed this week?" This is a tough question to answer with all honesty, but I believe it is a necessary one! It could be the very thing you have