09/09/2022
95 Day after Pentecost 2022:
“Beth,” Bev said, “I think I will marry Jon.” Those words were spoken without my knowledge.
“When Bev visits,” I asked Bob and Linda, John and Ruby, Charles and Fayma, and Marvin and Wanita, “can I bring her by for you to meet?” This question was asked without Bev’s knowledge.
We both were trying to listen to our friends and to God. So, we could figure out what to do with each other. Just like the nuns in the “Sound of Music” sang, we sang: “Bev, what shall I do with Bev.” “Jon, what shall I do with Jon.”
Over the months our hearts were stirred. We fell in love. We figured out what to do with each other. This October we will be married 39 years, we have experienced extreme grace and extreme glory. We have brought eight children into the world. We have given one up to heaven.
We are still listening to the wise. We are still learning. We are always looking for guidance.
This is our prayer:
“God of grace and God of glory, on Your people pour Your power; crown Your ancient Church’s story, bring its bud to glorious flower. Lo, the hosts of evil round us scorn the Christ, assail His ways. From the fears that long have bound us, free our hearts to faith and praise. Cure your children’s warring madness; bend our pride to Your control; shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the gift of Your salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour. Be our light. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. When we feel afraid, when we think we have lost our way, You are still right there beside us. Nothing will we fear because You are near. Stay with us to the end. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days. Come God of Grace and God of Glory, speak to our darkness. Forgive our sin. Heal our lives. Restore our nation. Raise up women and men to be witnesses to Your Grace throughout the earth. Let us who have ears to hear listen to what the Spirit is saying. Let us serve You only. You, O God, sent Your Son into our world. Jesus, the Light of the World, the Living Word, lived among us to show us Your way. Fill us with Your Spirit, restore to us the joy of our salvation. Teach us how to be bridges over troubled water. Teach us how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Yes! Grant us wisdom, grant us courage serving Your kingdom’s goal. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage serving You whom we adore. Do this we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen!”
Proverbs 1:5:
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands gain guidance.”
Songs for reflection are, “God of Grace and God of Glory,” and “Thy Word.”
