A pile of smooth white pebbles

Today I saw a pile of large smooth white pebbles, bringing to mind physical memorials established by God's people, whenever He had provided miraculously for them. Sometimes the memorials to God's goodness come in the form of celebrations. One is the Passover Festival which God instructed His people to celebrate in honour and thanksgiving of Him passing over their families peaceably whilst, meanwhile, destruction was to befall the first born of both people and animals in Egypt (see Exodus 12) Interestingly, this instruction was delivered before the event. A memorial before the event sounds premature but what a wonderful acknowledgement that we can praise and thank God in advance of His provision and blessings because we trust Him. In Psalm 127:2 King David describes how our human endeavours cannot guarantee our future security but whilst we sleep, God lovingly watches over us and prepares for us: "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves". God loves us all; it is a question of truly believing in that and being able to thank Him in advance for His provision.