The Ripples of Life

As children we were fascinated by the ripples created when we dropped a pebble in a pool of still water.  Our lives are like a pebble dropped into the sea of humanity leaving ripples: ripples of love, joy, and peace or ripples of anger, hate and disruption. The Psalmist was aware that sometimes his life left ripples of disappointment, shame and grief. Here is part of his prayer:

Lord, the LORD Almighty,
   may those who hope in you
   not be disgraced because of me. – Psalm 69:6

The Psalmist is aware that the world looks poorly on his people because of his choices. How often we read the story of a young scion of an upright family and begin to smear their name because of the behavior of this one son. When we are the ones who bring disgrace to our family, spiritual and human family, what are we to do? Here is the rest of the Psalmist’s prayer:

Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love;
   in your great mercy turn to me. – Psalm 69:16

Only God’s love and mercy will rescue us when our behaviors send out ripples that reflect on everyone around us. – Ron Friesen