If I hadn’t in such a worry ...I mean, hurry. "If I hadn't been in such a hurry ... " That's how the saying goes. I use it to explain away forgetting my phone at home. I chide myself with the phrase when I stumble or when I realize the food cooler for our camping trip is still in the garage sixty miles away. I pull out the phrase "If I hadn't been in such a hurry ... " to defend myself when I fail to notice a new stop sign or a friend across the street. But how many of life's "opposes" and agonies would fit "If I hadn't been in such a worry ... "? If I hadn't been so worried about being on time for my appointment, I wouldn't have been in a hurry and would have noticed the stop sign. If I hadn't been so worried about the cost of a new washing machine and its effect on our household budget, I wouldn't have snapped at my husband. If I hadn't been so worried I could have heard the voice of Jesus reminding me that He's welt aware of my needs. Worry leads to poor choices, loss of sleep, stomach and blood pres­sure issues, ornery attitudes, and relationship fractures. But Jesus specifically, for good reason, tells me, "Do not worry about your life." It's both a word of comfort and redirection when life gives me plenty to worry about. "Just don't," He said (paraphrasing). Good counsel

The psalmist today is overjoyed at the thought that God's blessings and saving power would be known among all ' nations. Are we similarly overjoyed when we consider the ways God's love reaches beyond our own spheres of influence and our own limits and prejudices? God's blessings are inexhaustible, and God's love is infinite. Whenever we feel nervous about how far God's love can or should stretch, we can return to today's psalm and sing, "Let the peoples praise you, 0 God; let all the peoples praise you" (6v. 3). Let us sing it until we believe it. For God is gracious to all, and God's blessings are continuous action in the world. May we open our hearts to the grace and love of God that show up among us, even in unexpected ways. And may we trust that God is free to love and bless whomever God wants to love and bless. May we be overjoyed at the expansiveness of God.

                                                            Joyful God, teach us to value your blessings wherever they fall. Amen.

On May 20th, National Rescue Dog Day recognizes all the benefits of allowing a four-legged canine to adopt you into their immeasurably lovable life.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. They’re rescue dogs.
No matter their size, color, or breed, dogs will find a way to nuzzle, fetch, or beg their way into your heart. You will find it hard not to scratch one behind the ear.
Rescue dogs often overcome extreme obstacles. And yet, they provide comfort, security, and friendship as family pets. Rescue dogs are also capable of much more. With training, they contribute to the independence of people with disabilities as service animals and give comfort to the elderly. In these circumstances, they become our eyes, ears, or legs as well as our best friend.