Green Pastures


 

I’m late on this holiday Monday, but I made it! As I walked this morning I was taken by this view in my neighborhood park. As I turned onto the path, this area, covered with wildflowers in season, was freshly mowed and still damp from a shower yesterday afternoon. My mind was filled with the words of the Psalmist,
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
This little spot was a green pasture for sure. Behind the tree line flows a slow running stream. Peaceful, quiet and undisturbed in the early hours, it filled me with calm. Of course, the words rushed back to mind in the Bible language of my childhood. I took this vista as a sign of good things ahead, in spite of the certainty of enemies and shadowy times. This was a gift, a reminder, of what ultimately lies ahead in the grace of God.
Peace.

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