Opus 2022-305 Thought Walks: It Started with the Clouds: Part 1 of 4, Channeling Plato

I had a great walk on August 30, 2022.  The discussion was lively.  The logic was impeccable.  The grasp of facts and theory and their intertwining was genuinely impressive.  I was also by myself.  I decided that I was channeling Plato.  He liked to set up straw men and destroy them with a foreknowledge of the tame responses of his audience.  I was on a roll.  I was also on a walk so posterity may never grasp the flawless presentation.  Of course I can only remember it in parts but I will try to give you a feel for it.

Be impressed.

1.  At my age I have a certain reality that strikes me every time I start my route.  Gratitude.  Gratitude for mobility.  Gratitude for the absence of pain.  Gratitude to be in the hill country of Texas and not genuinely worried about my neighborhood.  That is a lot to be thankful for.

2.  Many people are familiar with and quote a verse from the King James Bible,

(Psa 121:1 KJV)  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

Since I am already in the hills that doesn’t work for me.  I also prefer the more modern translations that put a question mark in here.

(Psa 121:1 NAS77) A Song of Ascents. I Will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come?

And then the answer flows.

(Psa 121:2 NAS77) My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

So as I start out I get wrapped up in admiration of nature, or more correctly, God’s creation.  I admire the flow of colors, the contrasts and balance.  Today there isn’t much to get excited about if you are into first impressions.  Clouds darken the sky.  It is gray and grayer.  I see no blue as I walk but I believe it is there.  Part of that is a knowledge of the world I live in.  Part is memory of yesterday or even a few minutes ago.  A big part is that I can turn my head and see spots where the blue of the universe pushes aside the clouds of perception.

My mind wanders and I am aware it is wandering.  That reminds me of something else to be grateful for, I still seem to be able to think.  I found my way home again because I am writing this.  But the wandering of the moment has to do with living by faith and optimism.  It takes me to how we are to trust in God and His providence even when things look dingy.  

To be continued...

homo unius libri

Opus 2022-167: Start Simple

I start each day with worship.  That worship has various aspects:  Prayer, contemplation, Bible reading, guitar playing and whatever else moves me toward hearing the voice of God in His many manifestations.  Almost invariably God gives me a promise for the day, and that promise is good for the year and eternity.

Psalm 121 starts of with some verses that are very familiar,

(Psa 121:1-2 KJV)  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Modern translations change the punctuation.  The source of help is changed to a question of where it comes from and verse 2 is the answer.

But what stood out to me recently was verse 3-4,

(Psa 121:3-4 KJV)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

This is a reminder that God gives us a foundation that is not slippery.  I miss this to a degree.  I have big feet and for most of my life proper athletic shoes have been something I watch on other people’s feet.  I don’t  know what it is to bowl in proper shoes.  I always did it in my sox.  When I have played golf I have no concept of how spikes would give me more stability when I swing.  Have you ever tried to take off for first base in smooth bottomed sneakers?

It is also reassuring to know that God does not fall asleep on the job.  I can remember being on guard duty and finding it hard to stay awake.  I have driven cross country when I could not afford a motel room.  I have nodded off during less than inspiring sermons.  God is like that sensor on the front of newer cars that goes off when you pull into the garage.  It may be irritating but it saves a lot of dents.

Simple reminders make for a more productive day.  They do wonders for attitude.  I recommend starting the day with meaningful worship.

homo unius libri