Welcome to the Daily Dose!
Today’s word of hope comes from our ow Rev. Brent Greene, Interim Minister of Discipleship.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
13 For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. Psalm 139:4-6, 13-16 NRSV
Mother’s Day has come and gone and Father’s Day quickly approaches. Although these holidays may stir up a range of emotions for many of us, both days provide time and space for remembering parents as well as other loved ones that provide care, encouragement, and unconditional love. I hope that each of us can fondly call out the beloved name of someone who has taught, cared, supported, and loved us like no one else. I am a blessed man. I can name dozens including my wonderful parents, Dennis and Dianne Greene, for whom I cherish and love.
On this day, I invite you to reflect on the words of Psalm 139 that remind us that God, our eternal parent and creator, loves us like no other. Like a mother or father, God knows and loves us like no one else and desires desperately that we know of this love that only comes from the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Sit and reflect on these questions as you consider how much you are loved.
God Loves You
What are the physical attributes that make you unique? What do you love about yourself when you look in the mirror or sit in stillness? Your smile? Your eye color? Your height or lack of height? God designed no one like you.
What gifts and talents has God provided just for you? Are you organized? Do you have the gifts of service, hospitality, or teaching? Are you a musician or a writer? Do family friends find joy sitting at the edge of your garden or enjoy your home cooked meals?
How and when do you spend time allowing God to bless and know you? Do you sit quietly and in solitude with the scriptures or just in silence being loved by God? Do you meditate on the words of Psalm 139 and accept the truths that you are loved and beautifully made?
You are loved.
As you rest in the presence of God this day, I invite you to reflect on the lyrics below or feast in watching and listening to the following musical work of art. Pretend that the mother that is described in the lyrics is not an earthly mother, but God. God, your parent. God has provided you with an amazing gift of love and sacrifice. God has provided a “coat of many colors” that no one else has or can wear. You are one of a kind. Wrap yourself in the gift of yourself and the gift of love that only God provides. You are wonderfully made. You are loved.
Coat of Many Colors Click link to watch video
“Coat of Many Colors” Dolly Parton
Back through the years I go wandering’ once again back to the seasons of my youth. I recall a box of rags that someone gave us and how my momma put the rags to use. There were rags of many colors, every piece was small and I didn’t have a coat and it was way down in the fall. Momma sewed the rags together. Sewin’ every piece with love. She made my coat of many colors that I was so proud of. As she sewed, she told a story from the Bible, she had read about a coat of many colors Joseph wore and then she said. Perhaps this coat will bring you good luck and happiness, and I just couldn’t wait to wear it. And momma blessed it with a kiss.
My coat of many colors that my momma made for me. Made only from rags but I wore it so proudly. Although we had no money, I was rich as I could be in my coat of many colors my momma made for me.
So with patches on my britches and holes in both my shoes In my coat of many colors I hurried off to school. Just to find the others laughing and making fun of me. In my coat of many colors, my momma made for me.
And oh, I couldn’t understand it for I felt I was rich and I told ’em of the love my momma sewed in every stitch. And I told ’em all the story, Momma told me while she sewed. And how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes. But they didn’t understand it and I tried to make them see. That one is only poor only if they choose to be now I know we had no money but I was rich as I could be. In my coat of many colors my momma made for me. Made just for me.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Artwork by Suzanne Tornquist