Psalm Meditation 1303 ¶Pentecost ¶June 8, 2025 ¶Psalm 19 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2030&version=NRSVUE ¶When a maker displays a piece of art or craft of any kind, the skill level involved is on display. The piece itself speaks volumes of the skills and care taken by the maker. There is no need to ask about the quality of the piece, because the piece itself proclaims the handiwork of the maker. Something mass produced from lesser quality materials can be adequate for our needs, however a carefully handcrafted piece can be more than adequate, as well as a thing of beauty. A soulful piece of art, a item of handcrafted furniture, a hand-pieced quilt, and a masterfully grilled piece of brisket to name a few, are head and shoulders above a utilitarian project. ¶The psalmist rejoices in the glorious work of the hand of God in the various parts of Creation. The route of the sun throughout the day is a masterwork, worthy of our praise and thanks to God. In addition to the physical creation, God has given us the law. The law is more than rules to be followed blindly, it is the narrative of our relationship with God and each other at our best, worst, and everywhere in between. The law is instruction on how to treat ourselves, those we know and love, as well as those we would rather ignore. ¶As we look around today and beyond, the psalmist encourages us to see the beauty that is all around us; beauty that comes from skillful attention to detail. The beauty can be directly from God as we admire the beauty of the earth and environs, and it can be from the makers among us who strive for quality in their work. Some makers want their work to be noticed while others want to have their work so skillfully integrated into our routine that we do not notice the knowledge, skill, and creativity that makes their work disappear into the fabric of our lives. ¶June 2, 2025 ¶LCM