"The trees of the wood sing for joy"

I am just back from a walk in the woods with Riley, my dog.  The leaves are beginning to fall off the trees and the crunch under our feet screams of ending.  This coming week Psalm 96 is one of the lectionary readings.  I seldom write about the psalms, but this one has really touched me.  Some of that is because of some reflections written by Stephanie Mar Smith in a Feasting of the Word preaching resource.

"The fields exult and the trees of the forest shout for joy." 

Stephanie writes: "Witness may be viewed as not only a pointing beyond ourselves but as being and becoming ourselves."  How are we witnessing to the the beauty and joy that God has showed us in our lives?  How are we a symbol of the power and wonder of our loving God? 

One of the many ways we are able to be that witness is to show up.  Yes, the simple act of being present in our lives and the lives of others is sacred ground.  We are changed by breathing in and breathing out.  We are changed by witnessing the breath of others.  We are changed.  

While on retreat this summer I was given a book, Psalms For praying, In invitation to Wholeness,  by Nan C. Merrill.  I offer up the following from this book.  

Psalm 96

O sing to the Cosmos a new song;

sing to the Beloved, all the earth!

Sing to the Creator, and bless the Name

above all names; 

sing praises to the Glorious One

from day to day. 

Declare the splendor of the Radiant One

to all nations, 

the marvelous works of Love

to all peoples!

For great is the Beloved, and greatly 

to be praised; 

reverence Love above all else.

For where your thoughts are, 

reveals that which you treasure;

seek only the true Treasure. 

Truth and integrity live with Love;

strength and beauty dwell 

with the Beloved. 

Yield to Love, O families of the earth, 

yield to Love glory and strength!

Yield to Love and learn of justice;

make of yourselves an offering

and be guided by Love!

Bow down in adoration and holiness; 

for worthy is the Beloved to be

 praised in all the earth!

The Creator of the Cosmos reigns! 

Yes, the world has been created, 

gift to all generations; 

let truth and justice give birth 

to peace and harmony!

Let the heavens be glad, and let 

the earth rejoice;

let the seas roar, and all 

that fills them; 

let the fields exult, and 

everything in them! 

Then shall the trees of the wood 

sing for joy

before the coming of the Beloved, 

who reigns in glory!

For  through Love will come truth 

and justice, 

offering all the people gifts

of new life.  

We each have this day. We have the blessing of new life.  It really is through Love that truth and justice are made manifest.  When we come to know each other, really know each other, we are more forgiving, of ourselves and those around us.  On this day, your work is to show up, pay attention, and be the person God thinks you are.  Good Luck!!!