Psalm 35 (36)
For the End; by David, the servant of the Lord.

The transgressor, so as to sin, says within himself,
“There is no fear of God before his
Eyes;”
For he acts deceitfully before Him.
Lest He discover his lawlessness and
hate it.
The words of his mouth are
lawlessness and deceit;
He is unwilling to understand how to
Do good;
He devises lawlessness on his bed;
He sets himself in every way not
Good,
And he does not abhor evil.
O Lord, Your mercy is in heaven,
And Your truth reaches to the clouds;
Your righteousness is like the
mountains of God;
Your judgements are a great deep;
Men and cattle You will save, O Lord.
How you multiply Your mercy, O God!
The sons of men shall hope under the
Shelter of Your wings.
They shall be intoxicated with the
Fatness of Your house,
And You will give them drink from the
Abundant water of Your delight.
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we shall see light.
Extend Your mercy to those who know
You,
And Your righteousness to the upright
In heart.
Let not the foot of arrogance come
Against me,
And may the hand of sinners not
Shake me.
Those who work lawlessness fall
There;
They are cast out, and unable to stand.

Commentary from the Orthodox Study Bible

Ps 35 reveals the right and wrong uses of free will and the fruits that result in either case. First, it shows that sin or evil is an action of man’s free will (says within himself; acts deceitfully, lest He discover; is unwilling; devises, sets himself, and does not abhor. Therefore, sin or evil is not a part of human essence or nature, for God creates human nature good in itself. Sinning is altogether the wrong use of free will, and the most dangerous wrong use is arrogance, which often comes against the saints. But such a wrong use ultimately brings down the lawless (fall there and unable to stand).

Second, this psalm reveals the proper use of free will, which is to seek out and hope for God’s mercy, His truth, His righteousness, and His judgements. Also with free will, the upright in heart may be intoxicated by drinking the abundant water that flows from the fountain and by seeing the light which is in light. The fountain is the Father, and the Son is the water, the light, and the life that goes forth from this fountain. Those who willingly drink of this water in baptism, and who see this light, partake of life and light, and also become intoxicated with the Holy Spirit.
In the Creed, the Son is called “Light of light,” a phrase derived from this psalm.

Comments

November brought more students, International Day, a trip to the mountains, math review for the kids, a staff talent show, and so much more. Yesterday was probably one of the most amazing days I have ever had at my school. I saw my colleagues practice with me, perform, cheer everyone on, and just generally enjoy having a great time together. I also got to cheer for my students who made honor roll (both fifth and sixth graders). We had two talent shows and two award ceremonies. I teach both grades at the same time, so juggling that was a little tricky, but thanks to Ms. Zaree and the wonderful, dedicated tutors who come to support our students, we were able to do it!!!! I am so so grateful to my co-teacher. There is really no one like her.

I am also thankful for my school and my ESL coordinator who supported International Day. We added interactive performances, art, and henna this year in addition to the close to 70 trifolds we had this year teaching us about various countries. I am thankful for the students who worked hard to make trifolds and present them. I am thankful for parent and grandparent support and for all the tutors who again showed up to be there for our students. I am very grateful to you!!!
Most of all, I am thankful for the planning team who made International Day happen!!!

Coming into a Thanksgiving break with three kids, my plan is to see friends and spend time talking and playing together. I have spent a lot of time saying “put your shoes on and get in the car!” So hopefully this will be a refreshing change for my children 😉

I am looking forward to December. We have some fun things planned (and a new student. He is going to levitate in my classroom like Yoda because I don’t know where he is going to sit but we’ll figure it out! Did I tell you I have a great co-teacher?).

I am thankful most of all for my parents and my sister. You know I cannot do any of these things without you. You have been my guiding light and my strong pillar of support. I could not feel more grateful. Thank you.

The psalmist talks about free will. The teachers in my school didn’t have to put on a talent show, the kids did not have to earn honor roll, and my friends and family didn’t have to be there for us. But they are. And for that I am so grateful.