My Mom is pretty amazing in how she stays current with so much at almost 80 years old. She is committed to trying new things and staying as current as makes sense for her age. It is not uncommon to hear her say, “It’s a new world.” I smile each time I listen to it. I can’t help but think, yes, so much has changed, and you are amazing!
Tonight we had a small group dinner. We sat outside around a fire in the driveway, and I thought, wow, it’s a new world. I am not sure we would have ever envisioned sitting outside in the driveway in 30-degree temps before COVID. We chose to do it tonight because even though we are vaccinated, it sounded like an excellent way to be together on a beautiful but a bit chilly afternoon.
We enjoyed a lovely meal around the dining room table. We have shared many meals in years past, and so it was familiar, and conversation unfolded with ease.
And at the end of the meal, my Mom said, shall we read the Bible? My Dad used to read the Bible every night at dinner. I did not realize how much I missed that until tonight.
My brother-in-law read these words from Zephaniah 3: 14 – 17. My sister picked this as one of her favorites.
Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
15 The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you;
never again will you fear any harm.
16 On that day
they will say to Jerusalem,
“Do not fear, Zion;
do not let your hands hang limp.
17 The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love, he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
And as we read scripture after dinner, I thought it is a new world in so many ways. I have lost the habit of reading the Bible after dinner. I wonder if you grew up with a routine that shaped you? Are you able to carry it on? What did you value from your childhood that you can practice today as an adult?
I want to bring reading scripture aloud back to my daily routine. It reminds me of a tradition that has shaped me, and I want to carry this with me into my changing world.
Blessed be His Name,
Trish
