I often think the universe is a work of art. Psalm 19 would imply that sentiment. Today’s postlude is an instrumental version of our Psalm today, composed by Italian composer Benedetto Marcello. I was first introduced to this delightful piece some 40 years ago when I was just a young sprout. I remember being inspired and have used it for many weddings.

What captivates me is the third and fourth verses – “Although they have no words or language, and their voices are not heard, their sound has gone out into all land, and their message to the ends of the world.” In other words, it’s the thought that counts.

Psalm 19 seems to be about praise, but we forget that to praise, we must also consider the room for criticism. If the universe is like a work of art, that means it must be open for some judgement, or at least open for discursive critique!

The exalter and the criticizer are somehow mysteriously nestled in creation. If you think of the universe as a work of art, you’ll notice what might be considered “mistakes.” No trees are perfectly straight. Nothing seems arranged in a grid. The stars are scattered about. Things look askew, craggy, and somewhat “off.” But I wonder, does that mean something is wrong with it? Is something wrong with us, or do we stand outside of that picture?

Aesthetics are endearing. Things that are out of proportion, slightly “off,” or open to criticism seem to have charm. That’s what I tell myself about my own music-making. It’s always a little “off.” But art has that wonderful appeal. There is always something that draws us towards that off-ness. We must admit that we are captivated by the so-called imperfections, yet we judge them as “fixable.” What preposterousness!

We certainly cannot tell of the glory of God without the seeming sloppiness left behind. My life is sloppy. That’s because I’m just an amateur. I’m improvising. I’m an enthusiast. How can I be a “professional” musician, person, or friend? I’m perpetually questing, scratching my chin, looking up at the sky and wondering… “hmmmm??”

Marcello has captivated this playfulness in Psalm 19 with great finesse. It sounds childlike and with wide-eyed wonder. The world looks as if a toddler had a heyday with all sorts of colors and textures. But if a loving toddler gave you a hand-drawn picture, would you criticize her? Of course not. You know that the so-called imperfections are a sign of unconditional love that hides behind the picture. But when we judge and criticize, we don’t get the picture! We try to fix what’s wrong.

What we’re after in our perception of life is what’s behind the picture. The psalmist reminds us that it’s the thought that counts – wordlessness. Even the most highly skilled musician or artist is simply being expressive, or thoughtful – just like the universe. Yours truly is trying to be thoughtful too; but there is so much about my writing, my playing, and my personality that you can rip to shreds. But why would one be so cruel? It’s the thought that counts, and that’s what’s perfect, the innocent, unconditional love which sits behind the picture. Do you get the picture now? If not, consider the heavens. Soli Deo Gloria.