All That Is Within Me

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name!

Psalm 103:1, ESV

All? Bless the Lord with all that is within me?

My time, my talents, and all my little quirks: with these you ask me to declare that you are, and that you are good.

You ask me to love you with heart, soul, mind, and strength.

With my body, with all the senses you gave me, you call me to bear witness to your presence in this world.

Let my words be pleasing to you and healing to others. Allow my laughter to reflect your joy. Call songs of joy and lament from my mouth, even if they’re not always on key. Make me glad for the gift of joining my voice with those of others in worship, in affirmation, in questioning, and in confession.

Awake my ears to hear the heavens pouring forth speech. Allow me to recognize the song of the night cricket and of the child crying for comfort. When I hear fingers coaxing music from piano keys, remind me of your voice singing stars into creation.

Open my eyes to see beauty everywhere, in your word and in the world you formed by it; in the bright blue autumn sky and in the sun filtering through yellow leaves, in the geese flying in formation and in the red fox slinking through the yard. Allow me to see the vast, intricate, and varied beauty you have woven throughout all of creation. May I recognize your image in those who create and offer their gifts to the world. And when I see ugliness, remind me that you are making all things new.

Make my heart glad when I step out my front door and breathe in the scent of autumn leaves and of wood smoke ascending. When I catch a whiff of baby powder or the scent of Jergen’s, allow me to revel in the landscape of memory and the gift of those who come to mind.

Allow me to taste your goodness in the bread and the wine, and in the steaming delight of warm apple pie and the comfort of my morning coffee.

Use my hands as instruments of healing, reaching for the shoulder of one who is weary. Allow me to tap out words on a keyboard and text messages that encourage. Whether gripping a steering wheel or immersed in dishwater, use my hands to build your kingdom.

But all, Lord? How can I offer all that is within me when dark and ugly still linger deep, down inside? Fears. Doubts. Insecurity. Anger. Resentment. The baggage of life. How can I bless you with these things?

Give them to me.

Give them to me, because they are of no use to you. You can’t fix them; you can’t heal yourself of them. They will keep you from me, from coming to me and knowing of my deep delight in you.

Give them to me, all of them. Believe that I am the one who crowns your life with compassion, who redeems your life from the pit and heals all your diseases.

Give them to me.

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
   and all that is within me,
   bless his holy name!

Reflection on a scripture reading from The Relevant Conference. Linking with Michelle:

And with Jen and the sisterhood: