summer time

The transition from the end of school to the summer is always an interesting one. For some, the schedule eases up, and then for others, it ramps up; maybe even for some it stays the same. Not in our house.

Here, there’s an early morning schedule synchronization each day. This isn’t a bad thing at all. It feels rather free flowing; kind of like a river…going where the current takes you. Routine is not the norm; in fact, there isn’t much of a routine at all. This has thrown my habits off and my sense of self-discipline is not so…well…disciplined.

The cool thing is that I’ve been reading various passages in the Bible and contemplating them as prayers. Some of the writings were intended as prayers, others not so much so. Regardless, it’s been helping me to create a quite place of reflection during my sometimes hectic days.

Here’s one that I’ve been contemplating:

Psalm 103 (The Message)

A David Psalm

1-2 O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing!

3-5 He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.

6-18 God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold,
nor hold grudges forever.

He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.

And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him.

He knows us inside and out,
keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.
Men and women don’t live very long;
like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
leaving nothing to show they were here.

God’s love, though, is ever and always,
eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
as they follow his Covenant ways
and remember to do whatever he said.

19-22 God has set his throne in heaven;he rules over us all. He’s the King!
So bless God, you angels,
ready and able to fly at his bidding,
quick to hear and do what he says.

Bless God, all you armies of angels,
alert to respond to whatever he wills.

Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—
everything and everyone made by God.And you, O my soul, bless God!

The Message (MSG)Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson