Monday's Moment

Psalm 143:8

 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday to all of you!

My morning started very early, somewhere around 3:45 AM. A wonderful trip to Illinois to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday has come to an end. Special times shared with my youngest brother and his family, as well as two sweet services at their church, are over, leaving behind precious memories. Before us stretches miles upon miles of highway, which will lead us to our Mississippi home in about nine hours. To God be the glory for allowing us the privilege of this memorable trip.

Whenever I am privileged to be with my parents, it is like riding an emotional roller coaster. My heart breaks at seeing my Dad's once sharp mind diminished by dementia, which ultimately required placing him in a nursing facility (and I do not like seeing him there). Mom lives alone near my brother, but she is very slow in getting around due to all the painful arthritis throughout her body. As I kissed Dad good-bye yesterday, he made mention that if he didn't see me again, we'd meet on the other side. As I said farewell to my Mom last night and kissed her at least three times, while holding her hands, I couldn't help but wonder if this time with them was my last. Forgive me the morose words, but I must write my heart today.

Each day, I try to find a verse that speaks to my heart and coincides with the spoonful of tonic I wish to serve to you. As I was pondering the verse I chose from Psalms today, I looked for commentary notes to help me better understand it's meaning. I found these notes from Barnes' Notes of the Bible): 

"Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness - The voice of thy lovingkindness, or thy mercy and favor. Permit me to hear thee addressing me in the language of kindness, and with the assurances of mercy."

David put his trust in the Lord, and knew that God would grant his request to hear His voice early but, in addition to hearing the voice of the Lord, David wanted the leading of God. David placed his life in God's hands, and was never disappointed. So it is with us, in the sadness and the gladness of life, God's voice and His direction are the stabilizing factors we depend on.

As we move along toward our home, and I'm striving to come to grips with my emotions, I know today will be marvelous because God is with me. He was up with me very early, and He's the One leading us on our journey. Along with David, my trust is in the Lord.

Until tomorrow, when we gather again for a spoonful of tonic (Lord willing), may the voice of God and His leading comfort and strengthen you....