From Day One

Sometimes I gently shake books - in each hand a front and back cover, pages open and dangling below. It started hen I remembered how often I used dollar bills for bookmarks.

Now and then I shake scripture, gently. Though I have never winnowed, that might be what it is like. It isn't for the possibility of money. It is for the possibility of understanding. Most days I need understanding more than money. This week the phrase "From Day One" fluttered down from Genesis 1:1-5 when I shook it a little bit.

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. -Genesis 1:1-5 NRSV

Say it again God. Say, "Let there be light....

• to show a way to peace for Israel and her neighbors,
• to show a way to jobs and meaningful labor for the unemployed and underemployed,
• to show a way to hope for all who are huddled in fear against terrorism,
• to show a way to comfort to those who grieve the death of one of your children,
• to show a way to compassion for those who are hungry to serve you.

Say it again God. And remind us it is good. From day one, let us be a part of your goodness.