The Power of Love

I've been thinking of my friend, Elizabeth, who writes so beautifully at a moon, worn as if it had been a shell. Her words makes me reflect deeply, which is something I love in my friends.

Lately, I've been taking my iPod Shuffle with me when I walk.  I usually try to pray when I'm walking, but I decided that I was getting too serious recently, and that listening to music would help me to rejoice in the moment, and lighten up. It does - and it's a gift from God, so it's a kind of prayer, I suppose.

My iPod used to be Katie's iPod, before she (and David, each) got an iPod that is like a little TV. I can't recall the name of it, but it was a big upgrade for them, and when she realized that she wouldn't need her old Shuffle, she generously gave it to me. I love it, for that reason. Gregg has her other (fancier) one, but it's too big for me, and I wouldn't know what to do with it.

I was listening to music today while I walked, and a number of songs came on that I haven't heard in a while. They made me think of current events, which brought Elizabeth to mind, and her sensitive thinking about what is going on in the world. Here are the two songs:

"New Hymn" by James Taylor

and "The Power of Love" by Luther Vandross.

One song tells of the writer's perception of the nature of God (not necessarily mine), the dangers and troubles that we can face (and can cause) in this life, and of hope.
The other tells of one simple certainty: the power of Love.

In light of all that has happened recently - the oil spill in the Gulf, the depredations of war, international aggression, financial "reverses" (as my Nana used to call them), difficulties facing loved ones - and those we don't even know - these two songs seemed to "bookend" life today.

Ps. 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8

(7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.

When I call, answer me, O my just God,

you who relieve me when I am in distress;

Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!

Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?

Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?

R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;

the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.

Tremble, and sin not;

reflect, upon your beds, in silence.

R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!

You put gladness into my heart,

more than when grain and wine abound.

R. Lord, let your face shine on us.