Mercy

I have been a bit harried these last couple days. Quick to anger and slow to hold my tongue, causing Thomas to question why I am so crabby. (Oh my heart.) I have wallowed in what I reasoned to be righteous self-pity, lamenting the flooded basement whose stink permeates the house; the lentils dumped all over the floor (again) by two curious little boys; the husband who had to work late; the mess of the house (again); the pile of reeking diapers to be washed; the little one who really only wants my attention. Mentally I scream, "Stop. Leave me alone. I am drowning (again)."

Kindly and selflessly my parents came over (again) to help me out when I called. Armed with doughnuts for the boys, they descended to the basement and played with my precious children for several hours, allotting me some time to clean the upstairs unhindered and to enjoy some moments of peace and rest. Thank you mom and dad.

Psalm 103 is the psalm assigned by the church lectionary to be read on Fridays. How healing were the poet's words especially today, a shower of grace upon my restless heart.

Bless the LORD, O my soul:
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:
who forgiveth all thine iniquities;
who healeth all thy diseases;
who redeemeth thy life from destruction;
who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies;
who satisfieth thy mouth with good things;
so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD executeth righteousness
and judgment for all that are oppressed.
He made known his ways unto Moses,
his acts unto the children of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
He will not always chide:
neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He hath not dealt with us after our sins;
nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth,
so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Like as a father pitieth his children,
so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
For he knoweth our frame;
he remembereth that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as grass:
as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone;
and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting
upon them that fear him,
and his righteousness unto children's children;
to such as keep his covenant,
and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens;
and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Bless the LORD, ye his angels,
that excel in strength,
that do his commandments,
hearkening unto the voice of his word.
Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts;
ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Bless the LORD, all his works
in all places of his dominion:
bless the LORD, O my soul.