Late Spring, Early Summer

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“It was a glorious morning, late spring or early summer, as you care to take it, when the dainty sheen of grass and leaf is blushing to a deeper green; and the year seems like a fair young maid, trembling with strange, wakening pulses on the brink of womanhood.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)”  Ch. 6 (1889)

Greetings!

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On a recent shopping trip, as I was leaving the register area, the cashier said, "Have a blessed day!" I took it as one of those secret sayings just among us Christians. Whether or not that was her intention, I don't know, but the incident got me thinking about how we greet people and what do we say when they leave our presence. Consider the 20th Psalm where David writes a number of blessings that he give to other people.

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!" (20:1) (Help that is perfectly timed)

"May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!" (20:2) (Help that is perfectly secure)

"May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill your counsel!" (20:4) (Help that is complete)

"May the LORD fulfill all your petitions" (20:5) (Help that is comprehensive)

"May the King answer us in the day we call" (20:9) (Help that is prompt)

(From my friend, Dr. John Williamson, at First Baptist Church of Ridgeway, SC)

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