Perspective

OK, so I was having one of those days. That's right I was having one of those days when the typical stress of life was getting to me. (I won't bore you with the details, they are insignificant anyway and probably not worth your time.) I was simply in a frustrated mood. My first appointment for the day was with a senior nursing student who came by to interview me as a "key informant" on the needs of folks in our community. I'm not sure that I really want the title "informant" in any way associated with my name, but never-the-less I gave him an hour's worth of my thoughts and perceptions about needs in our town: adequate and affordable housing, emergency shelter for the homeless, jobs that pay a living wage, adult literacy education, fair and just lending practices, etc. We had a meaningful conversation and I was impressed with his perceptions as well. He will no doubt make a great nurse because he is able to recognize the challenges folks face living on the fringes of our many societal systems. There is hope to be found in future generations!
Then it was time to put into practice the lessons I learned yesterday about using Facebook and Twitter as a tool for congregational ministry. So, I found a great quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. about serving and posted it on my personal Facebook page. Next, I looked to the lectionary for a quote from scripture for the church's Facebook page. And there it was! The word I needed for the day: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who makes heaven and earth." from Psalm 124. Now I am not big on believing in supernatural intervention into mundane life or in "help from above." I do believe that there is power in knowing the name of the Lord. What I mean by that is simply knowing that the Lord, God is Creator of all that is, was or will be including "heaven and earth" and that God loves you and me without condition. That's powerful and comforting and even calming, for me.
On the one hand there are all of life's problems and stresses and on the other hand there is God - maker and lover of the big picture - the cosmos with all of the chaos and the order of life. So, one short verse from a short Psalm and the day has perspective - another infinitesimal speck in the midst of the universe of God's love and care for God's beautiful and often chaotic creation. Breathing is easier. Focus may be sharper. Mood definitely better, at least for now.