Keeping my eyes open and drinking in the glory of each day (Amazon Rain Trees in our side yard)
The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. – Psalm 19:1-4
MONDAY: Contrary to many people, I love Monday mornings. Typically – after the busyness and sharp focus of Sunday’s responsibilities at church – it’s extra quiet around here.
Scout and I walk, but it’s more of a saunter.
I let Rebekah sleep a little longer before I make the coffee.
I take a long, deep breath – in fact several.
I tend to outline my week rather than rush to make deadlines.
This is not just because Sunday is busy, but also because Sunday is good. Sunday puts the other six days of the week into perspective. And it’s a viewpoint we always need, because being the preacher’s family doesn’t make us any less dependent on God’s grace, the encouragement of our church, and the nourishment of God-soaked worship.
View over the (under renovation) 7th Green
ATMOSPHERIC SOUP: Yesterday evening, right after supper, Scout and I walked around to the back of the house where our garden runs into the 7th green on the golf course. Looking east, the sky was all stirred up and full of electricity.
Once again the heavens were telling the story of the mystery of God. And I couldn’t help but think – again – about how annoying it must be to the Creator of Everything when mortals with limited imagination and capacity try so hard to fit The Overwhelming Majesty into tidy, manageable packages.
NOT ABOUT US: At Church Sunday the Praise Band did our version of Matt Redman’s “The Heart of Worship.” We were low on voices so I had to sing the lead. The phrase “It’s all about you, Jesus, it’s all about you…” repeats time and again.
But so much of the time we make life – and even worship – all about US.
So my prayer this morning is simple. I pray for all of us, everyone who reads this post, that we will “get it.” That we will get the liberating truth that – whatever comes along on this Monday (and the rest of the week) – what really matters is how we translate our day-to-day lives into living as Followers of The Way.
The Rain Lilies agree
Such an orientation takes the pressure off, and it puts the whole “Monday bites” attitude in the trash where it belongs. Because every day belongs to God! It’s not about me… and it’s not about you…. It’s about what it means to truly live like we mean it. Because God most certainly means it.
I agree with you about Mondays…but, as the narrator in LOTR says, “It was not always thus.”
I do believe that attitude matters. I also believe that what you do (or have to look forward to) matters. I was able to get up, hug my little guy (who woke up sad after a bad dream) and spend some quiet time on the couch sharing family time. Many folks don’t have that opportunity. Do to choices, circumstances (mostly choices, sure, but also circumstances) and situations, many are rushing off to work – facing manic paces, horrendous traffic, pointless meetings, the cranky general public and bewildering workplace “how we do-its.” In other words, Dilbert World. Tough to hold on to a “Happy Monday” in that environment. Still…you have to try. First email I fired off this morning: “Happy Monday.” I always imagine them getting that and shaking their heads, thinking: “Is he serious?”
Yes. I am. And I also believe you are right on when you talk about getting out into nature. Even if it is just on your back porch looking at the lightning. I have always found God’s creation to be a perfect salve when man’s creations start to get me down.
I agree with you about Mondays…but, as the narrator in LOTR says, “It was not always thus.”
I do believe that attitude matters. I also believe that what you do (or have to look forward to) matters. I was able to get up, hug my little guy (who woke up sad after a bad dream) and spend some quiet time on the couch sharing family time. Many folks don’t have that opportunity. Do to choices, circumstances (mostly choices, sure, but also circumstances) and situations, many are rushing off to work – facing manic paces, horrendous traffic, pointless meetings, the cranky general public and bewildering workplace “how we do-its.” In other words, Dilbert World. Tough to hold on to a “Happy Monday” in that environment. Still…you have to try. First email I fired off this morning: “Happy Monday.” I always imagine them getting that and shaking their heads, thinking: “Is he serious?”
Yes. I am. And I also believe you are right on when you talk about getting out into nature. Even if it is just on your back porch looking at the lightning. I have always found God’s creation to be a perfect salve when man’s creations start to get me down.
Adam, you are a sage commentator.
Thanks – D
I loved your description of Sundays at First Presbterian Church of Brandon as being “God-soaked”. Wonderfully correct.
Thanks, Andy –
Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and her mom. Please let me know if there’s anything we can do.
Peace – DEREK