Sometimes I say or write “beautiful” and/or “inspirational” and/or “pious” things. When my children hear or read such things, sometimes I wonder if any one of them thinks: “That doesn’t fit Dad. I know him — what he’s saying just doesn’t fit him.”

I want the words I say and write to fit me. And when they’re “spiritual” words, I want me to fit them as well.

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips” (Proverbs 22:17,18).

So the keys to having lofty words fit me is pay attention to them in my own living, to apply myself to them, to keep them within me…consciously and purposefully.

Will God’s Word echo through my being today? Or is my heart too dull to echo at all?

Oh, by the way, at what point does midlife crisis kick in? I was born 46 years ago today. Since I don’t expect to live to be 92, perhaps I have already put my midlife crisis behind me.

Yesterday I set out for town (our nearest “metropolis” — Molalla, Oregon).

I could have driven thoughtlessly about, giving no further conscious thought to destination or route.

I could have turned left at the end of our driveway and gone to Silverton.

When I got to Hwy 211, I could have continued straight ahead to Canby. Or I could have turned left and gone to Woodburn.

Upon arriving at Hwy 213, I could have turned left for Mulino or right for Silverton.

But I didn’t. I knew where I was going. I knew how to get there most directly. So I went there. No wandering. No losing my purpose. No distraction from my destination nor from my route.

I wanted to be in Molalla, so I (logically) made the choices that got me there.

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour” (Proverbs 21:21).

Today may I do better than yesterday at making the conscious choice for righteousness and mercy. They lead to great finds!

In my encounters with people and situations — righteousness and mercy.

Righteousness and mercy — attributes of God, after Whom I wish to wish to pant.

Yes, that’s exactly how I meant to say it.