Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.—Psalm 145:3–4 (NRSV)

Despite the perfect summer day, I wasn’t feeling very content. I’d spent the day trying, and failing, to do Gospel living. First, I brought chocolates to an older neighbor who’d been in the hospital, only to have her gaze yearningly at the box and tell me she’d been forbidden sugar. Then, trying to console a friend about a breakup, I made it worse by suggesting she join a church book group to get out, but she wasn’t ready for that, and we ended the call with her more distressed. I struck out the third time by delivering a package left in the lobby for a woman who’d just moved into our building. After answering the door, she made it clear that she preferred to retrieve her own mail. 

After hearing about my day, Charlie suggested we head to the beach, spread out our blanket, and nap. I agreed, deciding I was finished doing God’s work for the day. We lay in the sun, Charlie’s arm around me, my hand in his, our eyes closed. We heard the group of young couples near us packing up, laughing and teasing each other. They quieted as they passed us, lugging coolers and umbrellas. We heard their whispers. “Hope that’s us in forty years,” said one boy softly to the girl beside him. “I’m telling my husband about those two,” said another young woman to her friend. “Relationship goals!” answered the friend. “They’re like Gram and Gramps,” one boy told an older girl, probably his sister. 

I squeezed Charlie’s hand. He whispered, “You never know when God might decide to go to work.”