Toddling Along to the Chapel

 

For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you? So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:9-17 ESV).

 

Much of the inspiration of this devotional is rooted in a photo that was taken by Maycie McBride Pollard, a wonderful young lady who was married last Sunday. She and her husband, Clayton, asked me to be the officiant for their wedding. It was a wonderful occasion held at La Palmilla near Glen Rose, Texas. The photo was taken early Monday morning as Mary and I said our good-byes and made our way to the car to go home. It seemed to say to me that life has been a very pleasant “stroll to the chapel” throughout the experiences Mary and I have shared in our life together. Oh… yes, we do toddle along these days!

 

Let me dig a little deeper though. Our reading today, Psalm 90, was written by Moses. It is a prayer reflecting on the brevity of human life in contrast to God's eternal nature. It acknowledges human sinfulness and the consequences of divine judgment, while also expressing a longing for divine favor and wisdom to guide the people. The psalm ultimately points to God's steadfast love as the source of lasting joy and the foundation for meaningful existence. It seemed appropriate for today as I celebrate my 76^th birthday!

 

Of course, there have been challenges for both Mary and I in these nearly fifty-six years of marriage. However, it cannot be denied that God has been ever-present to show us His steadfast love in all of it. You see, the purpose of it all has been to simply get us where we will forever be after these frail bodies finish our journey on this earth. The picture of us holding on to one another walking together is such a grand illustration of that steadfast love God has given to us. Sometimes she has held on to me, and sometimes I’ve held on to her, and all the time we’ve done life together. That will only be greater once we enter the grand gate of our eternal home. Until He establishes the work of our hands, we look forward to a few more steps as we continue to toddle along to the chapel He has established!

 

My hope is that you will join us in your own journey toward His chapel. Trust Him to work all things to your good!