Until just a few minutes before I began to write this post, I felt “behind” all week. No real worries—I am in great health, and I am in love with my wife of twenty years!
Keeping Up
But, keeping up with everyday routines and appointments seemed to take extra time. An unusual number of extra daytime and evening events further added to my sense of being behind. Challenges with some computer issues and other technology did not help, either!
More Context in the Hymn of the Week
Praise to the Lord the Almighty is one of my favorite hymns. Consequently, I was looking forward to preparing this week’s three blog entries based on this hymn. But, I was a day late posting the lyrics blog scheduled for Mondays. Worse, I completed the biggest post—the hymn of the week—over a day late.
Click on the graphic below to get the full history and context of this classic hymn.
Not Particularly Inspired
Despite these relatively small frustrations, I feel relieved and confident I can finish this post on time. But wait! This is supposed to be an inspiring story. And this is not a week where I feel particularly inspired, myself.
Emmaus Symphonia Orchestra and Choir
Then, I reviewed a recording of Praise to the Lord the Almighty by the Emmaus Symphonia Orchestra and Choir. The glorious sound of the instruments and voices filled me joy and awe as I listened.
I re-read the lyrics and was struck by the re-discovery that every stanza begins with “Praise to the Lord.” Yes, I had read and keyed in those words many times this week. But, to my keen disappointment, I realized I was not considering them and certainly not doing what they proclaim.
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation.” “All ye who hear…praise Him in glad adoration.”
21st Century Pilgrimage
Perhaps the rugged terrain of the 17th-century Neander Valley, is a metaphor for my difficult week. With his great hymn, Joachim Neander, continues to lead us all on pilgrimages to overcome our own difficult weeks.
Praise to the Lord!