Today’s scripture: Psalm 139:1-18 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tom Chittenden):
Perhaps the highlight of any time spent with my children and grandchildren is the joy and happiness I feel observing my sons and daughter-in-laws watch their children play and interact with each other. I absolutely love being a Papaw. While I always cherished being with my own boys — from the moment I cut the cord in the delivery room to every moment that led to the day their children were born — there is just something uniquely awesome about being around to witness them in their role as a Father.
For years I was sad because my mind and heart were empty of any memory of my own Dad being around for those “first time” events. But today, I am grateful for the healing that has occurred between Dad and me. It began with a visit I made in 2006, to have a dialogue about forgiveness that was born from an insight into the words of this incredible Psalm of David.
I now know that the Creator of the Universe has ALWAYS been intimately integrated in every step of my life journey and that God has perfect recall of every moment of my life! The Creator was there as I spent hours exploring new textures with the hands that I eventually discovered. It was my heavenly Father who was there who actually heard me speak my first word and take my first step. He was aware of every tear shed. He was there when I experienced cruel teasing on the playground and walked away alone avoiding the eyes of others — only to be met by an ‘angel of God’ in the form of a kid I’d never seen before. He was there when I was lost in a public place, terrified and separated, only to look up through tear-filled eyes to see the kind and loving face of a lady who helped me find Mom. I choose to believe that some of God’s greatest memories are of my childhood! My Creator was always telling me, whether I realized it or not, that there had never been another child like me and that there never will be!
When we are awakened by the Spirit of God through scripture, song or a messenger with the call to “remember who we are,” this life starts a transformation from the inside out, enabling us to become aware of how we think and how we feel. When we truly understand that we are not our bodies, that our true Essence is one of Spirit, we begin to act differently toward ourselves and one another. With joy and happiness we begin to realize that our perceived differences are only illusion. We are not separate. We are all One!
Thought for the day: It is when we awaken from the illusions we have been living that God truly is glorified because it is then that we begin to think, feel, and act the way in which we were created — in God’s image — like God’s Son!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.