Trees planted by Water

Blessed is the person who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but delights in the law of the Lord, and on God's law meditates day and night.

They are like trees planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1 Paraphrased

Today we celebrated the Fourth of July as we always do. Up early preparing for the haords of children and adults that arrive on our front lawn at the end of the bicycle parade. For more than forty years, my parents, and now my mother alone, serve cool-aid and cookies to all that come to celebrate. Today there were at least five hundred bicycles and the families of those peddlers. It was a warm, soggy day, and every one was hot and thirsty. In this small summer town for one brief moment of time, our lives are full of welcome and community. My mother is a righteous and faithful woman, and sees herself as one who delights in giving to others and making people welcome. She is like a tree planted by living waters at the ripe age of 88.

Today, after a long day with friends and family gathered together, I can't help but rejoice in the friends, family and community where we find ourselves. We don't have a lot of excitement, but we know how to enjoy the gifts we have been given. We don't always see eye to eye, but neighbor greets neighbor, and folks watch out for the children. May we all do our part, in thanksgiving for the freedoms we enjoy, to make others welcome and share ourselves with others. In this we are following the way of God, and following the lead of some remarkable people.