Heaven's Glory

This is not what it looks like at my house...but somebody sees this every day!

I was up early and happened to look out our front window. The sky was black and the stars were twinkling. Right there in the northern sky was my friend, the Big Dipper. He hovers over the end of our driveway this time of year. I don't have to worry about anyone seeing me walk outside in my nightgown at 5 a.m., so that's exactly what I did. I just love gazing at the stars. I stayed outside long enough that my neck was getting a crick and my bare feet were starting to get a little numb. Yes, it was only 36 degrees. That's OK. That little cold jolt woke me up. Besides, my coffee was still brewing.

It reminds me of the time when I stood on the beach at midnight in Cancun, Mexico. Listen, this was long enough ago that there was only one hotel in Cancun. Yep. I'm old. I stood on the beach and could actually see the swirls of the Milky Way. If I could have been just a little bit taller, I'm sure I could have reached out and touched one of those stars. There was absolutely no light pollution. The sky, filled with millions of stars, went on forever. That sight is locked in my mind forever.

Psalm 19

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Amen. And amen.