Steadfast Love

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise. Psalm 36:5-12

Today is my husband Mark's birthday. Last year we celebrated a milestone with family and friends from all over. It was a wonderful gathering of love, music and affection. This year, in our new home, we will have a small celebration. I am no less thankful though. Mark is a blessing to so many. He is the walking definition of steadfast love. He is compassionate and kind, witty and brilliant, honest and tender, creative and reliable to all who know him. There isn't a day that I do not thank God fro the tremendous gift that is Mark.

May God grant us all those gifts in our lives that make God's love real and tangible. May we be grateful for every day we have with those who love us. May we celebrate love and steadfastness every day. May we remind ourselves that God is with us when we know love, laughter and forgiveness. And may we all be blessed with the courage and conviction to share God's love in our time.