A Psalm of David
In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you. Don’t let me be put to shame. Don’t let my enemies win the battle over me. Those who put their hope in you will never be put to shame. But those who lie to other people for no reason will be put to shame. Lord, show me your ways. Teach me how to follow you. Guide me in your truth. Teach me. You are God my Savior. I put my hope in you all day long. Lord, remember your great mercy and love. You have shown them to your people for a long time. Don’t remember the sins I committed when I was young. Don’t remember how often I refused to obey you. Remember me because you love me. Lord, you are good.
Psalm 25: 1-7
Usher, escort, concierge.
In almost every aspect of my life I have always felt more competent and confident when I am ushered, escorted, or led by the presence of a concierge. Anxiety decreases. Patience increases.
I remember as a child attending, for the first time, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. I cannot tell you what show we attended. I cannot tell you where I sat. I cannot tell you what I wore.
BUT…I can tell you that when our family entered the theater and an usher greeted us warmly and asked to see our tickets and they would be honored to escort us to our seats for the performance.
As if we were special. As if we were worthy. As if we were honored guests.
The posture and poise of the usher made me feel different. I stood up straighter. I wasn’t my awkward self. Here was someone who thought our family was special enough to lead us to our seats so that we would not wonder or wander.
In the moment I didn’t even think random thoughts like; did everyone receive this treatment…did we look like we needed assistance…did someone call ahead and ask the Dorothy Chandler Theater to treat us special…or was it because my Mom’s name was also Dorothy?
Nope. What ran through my body was this, we are being escorted to our seats, how very special was this!
I believe this to be the sentiment expressed in Psalm 25.
I believe I am being led by God, in whom I place my trust, whose voice I listen for, whose path I will follow.
I believe in an almighty God, whose presence changes the trajectory of my everyday life.
- Rev. Scott Maxwell-Doherty ’76, MDiv ’81, University Pastor
