Feb. 3: A Psalm for the Weather

I hope you have not gotten too buried or strained under all of this snow! There is something about all of this Weather (with a capital W) that gives kind of a sense of perspective. We humans have figured out a lot of things, but there are certain immovables that we just can't force our will upon. It's a good metaphor for the spiritual life-we can do a lot, and we can be in control of a lot, but we aren't the ones with all the power.

Another image comes to mind which, I think, comes from Buddhism: a contemplative practice is like opening a window; you can open it, but you can't force the wind to blow. You can prepare yourself in prayer, but only God decides how and when to be known. But if you don't open the window, it's a lot harder to know the wind is there.

Anyway, along with the doings of your very faithful vestry, I thought I'd share a psalm for the season-the inclusive language translation comes from the Episcopal order of Saint Helena. Please also keep those who are homeless in your prayers--the weather is not just an inconvenience (or a metaphor) for those who are outdoors.
Blessings,
Sara+

Alleluia! Praise God from the heavens; sing praise in the heights.
Praise God, all you angels, sing praise, all you heavenly host.
Praise God, sun and moon; sing praise, all you shining stars.
Praise God, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
Let them praise the Name of God; by whose command they were created.
God made them stand fast for ever and ever; and gave them a law which shall not pass away.
Praise God from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God's will; Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars;
Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and wingèd birds;
Sovereigns of the earth and all peoples, leaders and all rulers of the world;

Young men and maidens, old and young together.
Let them praise your Name, O God, for your Name only is exalted, your splendor is over earth and heaven.
You have raised up strength for your people and praise for all your loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near you. Alleluia!