The heavens delcare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth his handiwork

Beside the Still Waters Vol. 26, Issue 3

2… night after night they reveal knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is hard for them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the end of the world.
5 In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and
makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived at its warmth.
7 The Law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The Satutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right;
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant;
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous…
…11 By them your servant is warned’
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
May they not rule over me
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words..
…and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Like most of us, when I took my inventory…, I found both “good” and “bad” characteristics. For example, I’m pushy. I’m very determined to get things done.

But this determination can come at the expense of relating to people with real sensitivity. When you’re determined, you tend to move quickly. That can cause other people to stumble.

Instructions to the Cook
A Zen Master’s Lessons in Living a Life that Matters

The Second Course
Recipes for Learning p. 45
Bernard Glassman & Rich Fields

…establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.

For I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.