Over ten years ago when my parents took our boys to the zoo, they did what all grandparents love to do. They say yes to things that the parents might say no to. That thing was to allow our little Peyton (~age 5 at the time) to drink Mountain Dew (which he immediately fell in love with, and still today begs for this drink whenever there’s a chance).
While Amy and I might have delayed this “yes”, we weren’t upset, and secretly I was a little proud as Mountain Dew also holds a special place in my heart. That strange green color, the unique citrus taste, memories of 50 cent Big Gulps at 7-11 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan (fire up Chips!) and Dew with my Taco Bell feasts.
Dew from Mount Hermon
Today’s reading is Psalm 133 which consists of only three verses so I sent the verses to my boys and asked them for their thoughts. They read it and had no thoughts (as can be expected from most teenage boys). Some days later while driving to school I asked the boys to read the verses out loud, so they started:
How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony! (Psalm 133:1)
Laughter erupted as though we had all heard it for the first time and reflected on some of the arguing that occurred only moments prior! God’s word, out loud, supernatural. We had some conversation about what happens when we treat each other according to God’s ways and also what happens when we don’t live in harmony, going against God’s will. What a blessing. Why don’t we do this more often?
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting. (Psalm 133:3)
As we wrapped up with verse three, I said this verse reminds me of being so thirsty and finally getting a cold drink of water. Peyton of course then said “dad, its Mountain Dew!” (dew from Mount Hermon). Yes son, I guess you’re right!
Arriving home about 15 minutes later I told Amy about the conversation and while we laughed we also talked about the God-ordained moments that point us to further belief.
Then about ten minutes later she went through her Timehop photos (where it shows your photo memories over the years) and this picture came up. Five years ago to this very day. Haven’t seen this photo in a year. Didn’t plan to talk about Mountain Dew in the car. Didn’t plan to read the Bible in the car. Didn’t know what I was going to write about for this post. Didn’t choose today’s scripture.
The takeaway is a deepened faith in our God who loved us first, who seeks a relationship with us, who went to the most extreme length to save us if we choose to follow him through faith in Jesus Christ. Just as God knew over ten years ago at the zoo that this photo would come up, and the scriptures aligned, I’d be writing this to you today – He knows your future, he has a plan, and it is good.
He’s in every story of all of our lives and as we open our eyes and hearts seek him, we find him. Thank you God.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)