For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.

 Psalm 139:13-15

I think of my body this morning, almost 90 years old!  I just called the dermatologist to set up an appointment to check out some disturbing growths on my pate!  I have a long history of skin cancer, resulting in some degree, I think, to life in Africa where I loved the sun and despised wearing a hat very much. For the past 25 years I presented myself to my dermatologist at least once a year, usually getting some form of treatment.  Always heading off anything serious.

I like the choice of words in this Psalm especially, My frame was not hidden from You.  I suppose our skin is included in that “frame.”  My frame is a white man’s body!  Black skin filters out ultraviolet rays.  So there it is.  20 or so years in the African sun left its mark, for sure.

Should I not expect deterioration in my frame as it grows older?   Of course.  But I am aware of the fact that many things are out of my hands.  I was skillfully made by God who loves me dearly.  I trust his hands to do what pleases Him.

In the meanwhile, I am still trying to understand the statement that I was skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.  So I rest on the fact that God wrought me!  With skillful hands. I like that word, wrought!  I will find consolation in that as I see Dr. Roeschel tomorrow.