In all of our Semi-quincentennial celebrations across the USA, be led by a deeper melody of God’s enduring love that has coursed through all our times. This song of God’s holy love reminds us, defines us, and connects us in the most unifying party songs of our lives. This kind of song overflows from sea to shining sea, coursing around and through the globe in all humanity.

A few weeks ago, I was with my family at Lincoln Lake breaking out our kayaks for their maiden voyage of the year. I insisted the best time on the lake is late afternoon to sunset. The shadows and light effects of the sun descending behind the rolling hills that hug the lake’s shoreline leave the sky illuminated, and the lake's surface becomes a gigantic mirror. Lincoln Lake When the golden hour had begun, I traded off my kayak to my big kids and sat on the shore watching and waiting. I was...

Trees that looked bare not long ago are now leafing out and stretching toward the light and into warmth. Seeds hidden in the soil are beginning to stir and push upward. The lawns have greened and it is mowing season again. Flowers are blooming. What was once dormant and even appeared lifeless is now coming alive. This is a picture of resurrection.