100

The smallest three-digit number draws attention to itself.  We mark significant events in history by their centuries.  We celebrate when one of our own (fellow human beings) reaches the status of "centurion."  When teams like the World Series Champion Astros (and, for that matter, the Dodgers) reach 100 in the W column, we salute their accomplishment. 

Prior to today's post, a good friend drew my attention to the fact that this post would be my one hundredth blog post.  While #100 is no more extraordinary than #9 or #99, I delight in knowing that my words in support of the Ordinary Life continue to be read by fellow "appreciators" of the everyday, ordinary events of life. 

In celebration of the 100th birthday of The Ordinary Life, I devote today's blog to the words of Psalm 100.

1-2 On your feet now—applaud God!
    Bring a gift of laughter,
    sing yourselves into his presence.
3 Know this: God is God, and God, God.
    He made us; we didn’t make him.
    We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.
4 Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
    Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
    Thank him. Worship him.
5 For God is sheer beauty,
    all-generous in love,
    loyal always and ever.
Psalm 100 (The Message)

The psalmist applauds God and invites his readers to do the same.  He attempts to lead a grand parade for the God who is God.  I enjoy the simplicity of this psalm.  It's call for a worshipful party relies not on a list of "becauses."  The psalmist acknowledges God's greatness while feeling no compulsion to provide the Creator's resume.  That He is God is reason enough for a parade.  When the writer chooses to add a footnote of reason (as a "because"), he keeps it simple.

 

God is loyal.  God is all-generous.  God is sheer beauty.  We stand and applaud Him, knowing all three of these attributes stand the tests of time and truth. 

The psalmist surely could have listed 100 reasons to applaud God.  I imagine that a number of them filled his thoughts as he quilled the psalm. 

Check out Psalm 104.  He listed thirty-five verses of "becauses."  As you applaud God, think about your "becauses."  Then, with a pen in hand, a lyric in your heart, or a gift of laughter,

"Make yourself at home, talking praise.
Thank him.  Worship him."

Here's to what God, who is God, is doing in your everyday, ordinary life!

#ordinarylives