Journal Entry

My boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

It's time for me to write about this verse.

It, or similar words, are enscribed on the sun dial in front of the library where I went to seminary. It was understood to be affirmation for the pastor's life.

Since I never received a call or was ordained in this denomination, I have always struggled with this verse.

I have been thinking about letting go of old resentments. I wonder if I can let go of this one. I was strung along, not valued and unsupported. It was a case of blaming the victim.

Is it time to claim this verse for my own? Can I truthfully say now

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage?

• I have a good life.
• My spiritual gifts are welcome and honored in my community.

I have moved beyond some silly customs. I am who I am.There have been many opportunities to fall away, to become unchurched.

• I have continued to associate with a faith community.
• I have continued to study God's Word.
• I have continued to meet regularly to study and reflect on the Bible.
• I have continued to write and to preach.

Psalm 16 holds other affirmations that I want to embrace.

Verse 9 is of particular interest today:

My heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.

The heart/mind is happy; the spirit is happier still while the body feels safe. This is how the psalm began:

Protect me, o God, for in you I take refuge.

I have certainly done this through my long wilderness wanderings.