Think of that person in your world that you look up to so much that you want be where they are and do what they do?  When they walk into the room, your eyes light up and your heart skips a beat?  Who was this person in your childhood?  Why did you want to be with this person?  What drew you to them? 

Depending on how mature you are, you were probably impressed with admiration for many different people like this in your life’s journey.  For me, it was my Grandpa.  As a child, I wanted to be everywhere he went.  I would get up early, before the sun, just so I could be with him and do what he did.  I would follow along, right at his heels, to feed the livestock, hear him call the cattle in French, talk coaxing words to the animals in his care as they ate.  He never got tired of answering my endless questions as he worked.  He always allowed me to help in some way.  Sometimes he sang his favorite hymns as we worked and I would join in.  He made dirty, hard work seem fun.  I thought all this was a hobby for him, because he was also a carpenter after the chores!

We would finish the early chores, wash up and come to a table of biscuits, bacon and eggs fresh from the farm made with love by Grandma.  Automatically, heads were bowed before the fork was raised, to pray.  Typically, it was Grandpa who prayed. Grandpa always closed with “…and may this food be used for your juice”.  Wait, what?  “Juice”?  God makes juice?  I finally figure out, much later, what he was really saying, “and may this food be used for your intended use.”  Ah, that makes more sense.  Sometimes we have to grow up a little more to understand the meaning of what our admired person is really saying. 

Today, I can recall many mentors in my life who came alongside me to aid in my growing up years. But the One I admire most and rise early to be with is God, the Father.  Grandpa taught me to love and look to God for all of life. “What God says goes”, sings the Psalmist. 

God’s love, commands for our best, truth, mercy and grace are still as relevant for today as it was at Creation.  He never goes out of fashion.  God is not just a blip or trend for the moment, but He is Truth forever and ever. Amen.  I want to be where He is and do what He wants because God’s love never fails and never gives up on me.  My worship, awe, respect and love go beyond the admiration I had for my Grandpa, which was great.  All that I am is all for God.  God knows all and has a plan for me.  He is my Father in heaven because His Son saved my soul.  His Holy Spirit guides, corrects, challenges and leads me.  I need God every hour of every day.  I praise God for He goes beyond the limits of human love and wisdom.  I’m a mess at times, but He still loves and cares for me.  I may not always hear exactly what He is saying, but I am leaning in to listen, praying for understanding.

Yes, what you say goes, God!

Wisdom and Worship, Psalms and Proverbs

Part 12 – Psalm 119, The Message

^89-96 What you say goes, God,
    and stays, as permanent as the heavens.
Your truth never goes out of fashion;
    it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up.
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever;
    that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going.
If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so,
    I would have given up when the hard times came.
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me;
    you saved my life with those wise words.
Save me! I’m all yours.
    I look high and low for your words of wisdom.
The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me,
    but I’m only concerned with your plans for me.
I see the limits to everything human,
    but the horizons can’t contain your commands!

TRUTH: “I’m only concerned with your plans for me.”  “I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands!”  What you say goes!

Proverb 1:7, The Message

WISDOM: “Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.”

Abba, Father,

Thank you for bringing me into your family to receive all you are and all you have for me.  I am your child, your servant and your beloved.  You are the One and Only that I You are the One I love first, admire and respect most and want to be with more than anyone on earth for you are God!  Thank you for listening to my questions and wonderings.  Thank you for forgiving my missteps.  Thank you for loving me the way you do.  What do you want?  Where do you want me to go and what do you want me to do today? I know your agenda for me is already planned out and trumps my agenda.  Help me to read and follow your plan with understanding, wisdom and insight.  Give me courage to go where you invite me to follow.

In Jesus Name, Amen

And we’re singing…

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God, yes, I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God, yes, I am