"More Than We Can Tell" - 10/12/2026

Yesterday, we reflected on how the songs we learn can grow with us through the years. This morning, another phrase from Psalm 71 has stayed with me: “though I know not how to relate them all.” I find something comforting there. We can speak of God’s goodness even while parts of our story remain difficult to understand.

Scripture
“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
of your saving acts all day long—
though I know not how to relate them all.” - Psalm 71:15, NIV

Reflection
Some kindnesses are remembered long after the details have faded. A person stayed beside us during a difficult afternoon. Someone made room at a crowded table. A familiar voice called when the house felt unusually quiet. The exact words may be gone, yet something of the care remains.

The psalmist speaks of God’s saving acts, then admits an inability to tell them all. This confession comes from someone who has lived with faith for many years. There is still more to remember, more to understand, more than words can hold.
Perhaps gratitude can begin there.

We sometimes feel that a story of faith needs a clear beginning, a turning point, and an ending that makes sense. Yet much of life arrives without that order. An old sorrow can remain tender beside a new joy. A prayer can carry both thanksgiving and a question that has gone unanswered for years.

These unfinished places belong in our life with God, too. Christ receives the prayer that falters halfway through. His love holds us while understanding comes slowly.

Looking back, we may begin to notice care we could barely recognize at the time: patience offered when we were difficult to love, forgiveness that opened a way forward, companionship that helped us endure a season we would never have chosen.
This morning, one remembered kindness may be enough for prayer. There is no need to gather every memory or explain every mystery. A name, a moment, a small mercy can become the beginning of praise.

And tomorrow, another memory may rise. The story continues to unfold, held in the love of the One whose goodness exceeds our telling.


Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the mercies we remember and the care we have yet to recognize. Receive the parts of our story we cannot explain. Let one small remembrance of your love open our hearts to gratitude today. Keep us attentive to your grace, and make us gentle companions to one another. Amen.