Psalm 121 and Uncle August
I never met my mother’s uncle, but I heard many colorful stories.

August was my mother’s  mother’s brother, a man of adventure, or so it would seem. His legend endured down through the years, though surely embellished over time.

A professional gambler, let’s just say he did not fit into the rules of his Southern Baptist sister’s home. But he was just so likable, and her kids adored him. So, as long as he didn’t bring up his gambling, no one else did either.

My mother told the story about one early childhood morning when just she and August were at the small kitchen table. She watched as he filed the tips and pads of his fingers.
“I can feel the cards better,” he explained. They were special buddies, so he shared some “trade secrets” with her.

So what does any of this have to do with Psalm 121, one of the psalms offered today? Let’s consider another Uncle August story. It took place during the Great Depression.

A terrible storm had swelled the Rio Grande River in south Texas. Food supply was low at the house and, between having no money and the storm cutting off access routes, the family dinner seemed in jeopardy. His sister said, “August, you go find us some dinner.”

What? he thought.

As he walked along the banks of the Rio Grande, he saw that the river had started to recede. Ahead he noticed something flopping around, splashing water. Mystified, he walked at a greater pace, wanting to see what it was.

Lo and behold. A sixty-pound catfish was trapped in a hole, not making it out while the river was high. August reached in the hole, hooked his index finger into a gill, lifted the massive fish, and headed home.

Dinner plans that were doubtful that morning took a miraculous turn. It brings to mind these words from Psalm 121:

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?   My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.