Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. [Psalm 1:1–2]
I write this while meditating on the wonderful cup of espresso before me. In a clear glass cup, no less. I ponder not only the room-filling aroma of the Illy brand coffee, but also its delicious taste. It’s frothy tan head beautifully merges with the dark, almost-black nectar steaming from my cup.
The above verses describe the delightful experience of “meditating” on God’s Word. The Hebrew term used is hagah and can refer to a lion meditating on its prey.
Huh? That’s a pretty violent image. Stay with me…
Hagah (to meditate) is more that just quietly reading my Bible or praying in my private study or church’s chapel. That is too tame.
We have all seen the dog who is totally absorbed, delighting in his bone. He even emits a satisfied, low growl that accompanies the mouth-watering pleasure he experiences as he savors his treat. God invites us to read his Word with the same meditative savoring as we gnaw at this soul-energizing food for our lives. And as we do, its words revive us. Its story assures us of peace as its points us to Christ, our Peace.
Walk the world’s major cities
I found this fascinating! I just “virtually” walked Kolkata, India which I will be visiting for the first time in November as part of my ministry trip to India this fall. This human walking “tour guide” captures the sights and sounds of over 200 major cities throughout the world. Give it a try. Take a nice stroll in the city of your choice.
From the sports pages
Good for the Chicago Cubs: Lifelong Cubs fan Cesario Moya was treated to a day at Wrigley Field by the baseball team and its players.
In March, Moya was diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. His granddaughters posted a video on TikTok sharing their family’s saga to encourage others going thorough similar circumstances. Of course, the Cubs were central to their grandfather’s story, who learned English by watching their games on the television over the years. Moya celebrated his lifelong devotion to the Cubs with his family at Wrigley Field last Sunday, in what was probably his last trip to the ballpark.
Bad for That Team Up North: The NCAA levied the University of Michigan fines of over $30 million for stealing signs during the 2023–24 season.
Head coach Sherrone Moore also faces a three-game suspension, while then–head coach Jim Harbaugh was implicated and faces a “show-cause order.” The NCAA Infractions Committee said that Harbaugh “was largely dismissive of rules compliance” and had “little, if any, emphasis on following the rules.”
Glorifying God, even on the golf course: Scottie Scheffler keeps on winning golf tournaments. And he keeps on naturally communicating his faith in Christ along the way. This past weekend, Scheffler won the FedEx St. Jude’s Championship without his normal caddie, who had to leave for a family emergency. Asked if this was troublesome for his game and regular routine, Scheffler simply answered, “Ted is at home with his family, and he’s where he’s supposed to be. We’re praying for them, and his family is doing all right.” Previously Scheffler has said after winning a tournament: “I’m a faithful guy. I believe in a creator. I believe in Jesus. Ultimately, I think that’s what defines me the most. I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent. It’s not anything that I did.”
Golf journalist Kyle Porter had an interesting take. “While Scheffler is not devoted to his faith for the purpose of winning golf tournaments—quite the opposite, in fact—in listening to him speak about it, one would find it difficult for a golfer to have a better mind space. He holds the line between ‘cares a lot’ and ‘identity not tethered to outcome’ perfectly,” he writes.
The Savannah Bananas: Have you seen these Harlem Globetrotters of baseball? What a blast! On the baseball diamond, they do stunts, trick plays, and even some dancing. I guess fans are lining up in droves to see these guys play.
Repair that marriage
Psychologist and marriage expert John Gottman has made a career in helping marriages. A key part of marital health is the willingness and skill to nip a conflict in the bud before it escalates. Dr. Gottman refers to these “repair attempts” as secret weapons for emotionally intelligent couples.
Some sample phrases of repair attempts are:
Can I take that back?
I need your support right now
Let me try again
I’m sorry
I messed up, I can see my part in this
I know this isn’t your fault
I want to say this more gently, but I don’t know how to
Let’s talk about something else for a few minutes
I see your point
I understand
I love you
For repair to happen, each spouse needs to make repair attempts and be open to receiving them. Here are some “repair attempts” contrasted with some that are not repairing:
Repair:
“My reaction was too extreme, I’m sorry.”
Not repair:
“We never solve this problem because you keep saying that over and over. It’s so annoying.”
That won’t repair anything. Try: “That hurt my feelings. Could you say that in a different way?”
Repair:
“I agree with part of what you’re saying. Let’s compromise here.”
Not repair:
“I’m trying to talk to you, but you always criticize me.”
How about this way: “I feel criticized; could you rephrase that?”
Repair:
“I see your point.”
Not repair:
“Why can’t you just get over it.”
Uh, that won’t work. Try and understanding your spouse’s point of view.
“Look upon us, O Lord,
and let all the darkness of our souls
vanish before the beams of thy brightness.
Fill us with holy love,
and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.
All our desire is known unto thee,
therefore perfect what thou hast begun,
and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.
We seek thy face,
turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory.
Then shall our longing be satisfied,
and our peace shall be perfect.”
[Augustine]