I heard a man in an airport restroom a few days ago cursing about an un-flushed toilet. His rant echoed across the potties, while the rest of us went quietly about our business. Did he expect compassion from a roomful of men waiting on delayed flights?

I understand his frustration, and it reminded me of how gratefulness runs in short supply. Annoyed at the delays to my flight, I forgot that my trip across the United States took only an evening when once it took weeks. So much of my attitude depends on perspective.

David wrote about the Lord’s perspective in regards to you and me: As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

Last week my wife and I spent time with Nora, our wonderful nine week old granddaughter. Nora cries to let us know she’s hungry—it’s the only way she has to communicate. I don’t hold that against her. I understand it’s normal for a child that age, and I happily hand her back to her parents.

The Lord understands you and I in the same way. He remembers that we are dust. Perhaps we do would well to remember the same. The Lord is vastly superior to us in every way, and He knows we have a long way to go. His compassion stemming from his perspective envelopes us as we journey through life.

Which brings me to gratitude. I’m often the infant crying for I know not what, and the Lord is present even if I fail to realize it. As David says, the Lord satisfies your desires with good things, and for that I can be grateful.

Psalm 103 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by insung yoon