When I was a child, my grandparents often took a drive through the countryside or through the mountains on a Sunday afternoon after their midday meal. If a grandchild was around or with them that day, they were invited to go along for the ride. Once and awhile, I was lucky enough to go for a ride with them. As we sat in the car, silence was kept for most of the ride which actually was a gift as it encouraged us to be present in the moment to truly experience God’s majestic wonders surrounding us. The awe inspiring beauty of God’s presence paired with that of my loving grandparents brought

about a sense of calmness and peace within my whole being.

This nostalgic moment moves me to recall the words of the Psalmist, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” This beautiful promise creates an overflowing abundance of gratitude and joy in my heart and calls my lips to burst forth in praise to my Lord singing,

“When morning gilds the skies,

My heart awaking cries:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Alike at work and prayer

To Jesus I repair:

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Does sadness fill my mind?

A solace here I find,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Or fades my earthly bliss?

My comfort still is this,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this, while life is mine,

My canticle divine,

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this th’ eternal song

Through all the ages long,

May Jesus Christ be praised!”1

As an adult, I take rides in the countryside to experience God’s presence like I use to as a child, but now, the silence is often followed by my lips singing loud praises to the Lord which lift my spirit and brings a sense of joy that only comes from God.

I wonder how do you cultivate space in your everyday life and ordinary moments to connect with and worship the Lord? How might you share the joy of the Lord that you experience through worship with others?

Pastor Jenn