Sing!

Sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works!    — 1 Chronicles 16:9

Our home in Boise is next to a park where I walk most mornings. An elderly woman walks there at the same time. She walks clockwise and I walk counter-clockwise, which means that we meet twice each lap.

She has the most lovely, crinkly eyes and wrinkled face that wrinkles even more when she smiles. When she smiles, her whole face smiles!

She has Alzheimer’s.

The first time we meet she asks, “Have I sung my song?” I say, “No, ma’am.” And she sings a little song about the sun: “Good morning, Mr. Sunshine . . .” Then she smiles, raises her hands in a kind of blessing, and moves on.

So we go our separate ways — 180 degrees around the circle — until we meet again. She asks, “Have I sung my song?” I say, “Sing it again!” And she does. I can’t get her delightful song out of my mind.

She has become a parable of the kind of person I want to be — making my way through the world, singing and making melody in my heart, singing of the Sun of Righteousness who has risen with healing in His wings (Mal. 4:2), leaving behind a lingering memory of His love.

May His song be on your heart and lips this day. And may many hear and put their trust in the Lord.    — David Roper

There’s within my heart a melody,

Jesus whispers sweet and low,

Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,

In all of life’s ebb and flow. — Bridgers

READ: 1 Chron. 16:23-27

A song in your heart puts a smile on your face.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 11-13

• Ephesians 4