The morning walk is becoming more pleasant each day. Nights are definitely cooler, so at 6:20 or so it’s really nice. Often the moon is just waning, and the air is fresh with birds welcoming the day, as do the yellow boxes that sweep each morning, hauling eager scholars off to their daily learning.
I was delighted to see the Religion section of the daily paper devoted the lead article to signs of faith flourishing all over this land. Author of a book on “Bible Road, Signs of Faith in theAmerican Landscape, Sam Fentress first became interested when a student brought him a picture of a farmer’s barn covered by scripture verses. So, for the next twenty years, he sought out such pictures in his travels. From a silo in Monroe, Ohio that reads simply, “John 3,3”, to rocks etched with “Obey God or burn” found in Harlem. People express their faith in signage along the way.
It interests me that the new Hymnal for the LC-MS makes some prayers easy to find and use by printing them in the very front ofthe book. So prayers upon entering church, before and after worship and communion, lie right at hand.
But religion is more than a sign, isn’t it? James said, “Pure religion and undefiled is this, to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1,27.
Here is a word, found, printed and framed above a visitors book: “Let the peace of this place surround you. The hurry and worry of life fall away. You are God’s child. Speak to Him in prayer, and give yourself time to hear what He has to say.” Then depart in His peace.” Wise words indeed.
GPD 10/2/07
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