Listen

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.

Psalm 78:1-4

Think

I can remember a time (now with embarrassment), when my dad put a Beatles or Grateful Dead record on the player, and I said to him, “Not this old music again!” Now, years later, after those records were ruined sitting in a moldy basement and my musical taste has broadened, I wish I had access to all those great tunes he would play on vinyl.

As we grow up, there are times when we instinctively trust and cling to the wisdom of our parents and elders. At other times, though, the wisdom of our elders may seem like “dark sayings from of old” when we hear them. We push away and go our own path.

But with some perspective, we see that the psalmist — and hopefully our own elders — promise wisdom that bears witness to the wonders God has worked in their lives. Holy Scripture is a strong authority, and so, too, is the witness of God working in the lives of those whom we love.

Jonathan Chesney

Pray

God of our ancestors, help me to know your wisdom through those who have traveled before me. Help me to recognize what is good and true and life-giving. May I know your wonders through the witness of those who love me, that they might be a part of who I am and shape my daily living in you.

Go

Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who journey the way with us.

So be swift to love and make haste to be kind.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among us, and remain with us always.