"Hearken, all you who dwell" – October 26

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]
Ecclus. 28:14-26; Rev. 12:1-6; Luke 11:37-52

The psalm appointed for this afternoon is Psalm 49. The first verse begins, “Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all you who dwell in the world…” It has me thinking about the sounds and sights going on about me as I write this reflection.

If you walked by our house this morning, you might see and hear several things going on. Our daughter is waiting by the stop sign for her bus to pick her up and deliver her to middle school. She is not terribly loud, especially at this hour of the day. She stands with a fresh face…calmly, serenely, ready to face another day of sixth grade.

If you walked by our house this morning, you could hear the barking of dogs. All people who dwell in our neighborhood cannot help but hear those utterances of enthusiastic canines. They bark for a variety of reasons: first, they are dogs. Other causes often include a neighbor cat who wanders about, passersby exercising with their pets, and the presence our son, perhaps the biggest reason for commotion. He loves to get ready early for school and go outside to run around and play. He chirps in a sing-song voice, “Let’s go, Pumpkin!”, clapping in rhythm to the chants.

Pumpkin is the little dog who lives next door. She scales the fence when she wants a doggie playdate and runs around in our yard, stirring up our dogs. Revelry commences each time. Our dogs are larger and louder; Pumpkin is nimbler. (When she is done with her fun, she scales the fence and goes back into her own yard.)

Upon hearing this morning’s dog chorus – that was a bit on the disruptive side – I peer out to observe the fun. Our six-year-old boy is standing in the raised garden bed and has cajoled Pumpkin to join him. Our two dogs stand outside the raised bed, wagging their tails and barking. Robinson smiles in the chaos.

Today my kids’ proclamation to the world is a bit different from what I see in the headlines. Their mouths speak of focused anticipation. Of playful jubilation. Of God’s hope. And we cover them in prayer as they begin a new day.

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What are the noises around you this morning? What emotions do they bring up? What memories do they stir? Where do you feel gratitude?

Daily Challenge

There is much darkness in the news, reflecting the complexity of the world around us. Fast from the noise of news headlines today...or perhaps for a half-day. Instead, read and reflect on the psalms appointed for today. Be attentive to where God is stirring you to live faithfully and connectedly today.