Clarity and obscurity mingle on the horizon. Oh, we need wisdom and understanding, Lord! Sometimes the words sound right, but the spirit feels wrong. Sometimes the spirit feels right but the words sound wrong. Sometimes your greatest gifts arrive in packages easily rejected, and sometimes we delight so much in the wrapping we fail to notice the gift box contains a mere peanut. Help us, Lord!

O Lord, listen to my cry;
    give me the discerning mind you promised.
Listen to my prayer;
    rescue me as you promised.
 Let praise flow from my lips,
    for you have taught me your decrees.

(Psalm 119:169-171)