Not only at the Forecast

There is something so healing about the rain.

It is as if the skies understand grief, and the thunder anger.

In its noise, it brings a peaceful silence to bustling activity.

In its chaos, beckons all attention, bringing lovely order.

In its quickness, it draws people inside to rest, to read, to bake.

And then we see.

We see that you are a God who hears your people-

You are a God who quiets us.

You are a God who captivates us.

You are a God who replenishes us.

Forgive us for wanting to be heard instead of to listen,

for being captured by vanity with a grip on our wealth,

for finding reassurance in work and deeds,

for complaining when it rains, longing only for the sun.

Teach us what nature understands full well.

Teach us to smile not only at the forecast, 

but at the work you are completing within:

the quiet, slow, and tedious work.

Who is a God Like You?

What kind of God are you, that you would create a world in which

people marry-

     committing to the end of themselves as the beginning of life and relation?

in which

newborns grow-

    gaining sharper sight, greater dexterity, smiles, and infectious laughs?

in which

artists create-

     capturing meaning and significance in audible and visual magnificence?

in which 

days are set apart-

    to celebrate and honor through gatherings, hospitality, good food and drink?

The sun greeted us this morning, and the rain sends us to sleep.
You are the God of this day, just like all others.
Teach us that you do not just impact each day, but that you are each day.
All that means something to us is wrapped up in you.
So in you we marry and grow, create and celebrate.
What kind of God must you be, that you would bestow all this?

We are amazed. 
Heighten our amazement.


Micah 7:18-20
"Who is a God like you,
    who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
    of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
    but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
    you will tread our sins underfoot
    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
20 You will be faithful to Jacob,
    and show love to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our ancestors
    in days long ago."