The Face of the Lord

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!--Numbers 6:24-26

In my Advent and Christmas devotional, a book which includes the writings of Henry Nouwen, I read today his comments about God's creation and His eyes upon His creation and His judgment of "Good."  Nouwen's quote led into a commentary of thinking of God's creation of ME as good. I suppose everyone may feel they lack perfection: those of us who have been raised with Good Catholic Guilt will know what I mean here.Nouwen was probably raised in the same era. Yet he points out that God sees the Good in what He has created. We are created in His image. We have something of Him within us. It is this part of God that can enable us to look upon others in blessing, to shine in acceptance and fellowship in the joys and accomplishments of others, and  to look upon others in welcome and with kindness. I had the volume down on the television last night as I was watching some of the New Year's Eve festivities. I was not familiar with the performers or their signature songs, but I could read their body language and facial expressions. It did not seem to me that these people were singing of graciousness and kindness to each other. My Word of the Year is GIFT. this year, in addition to tangible gifts I shall be open to giving graciousness and kindness, acceptance and fellowship, giving God's goodness and peace. Trekking Catholic.