Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me along paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. You set a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
On numerous occasions in my life, I come to the reality that what I'd like to say is said in a Psalm. I can't improve on it, nor feel I have any right to paraphrase it. I admit: I often enjoy reciting this one changing to plural pronouns, but believe I'm wise to dwell on what's already written and there's no real purpose in my elaborating [right now anyway]. Today, I'll do just that and defer to the psalmist David.
I reside near Woods Hole - Falmouth, MA this week and awaited the sunrise as I typed the scripture above. As it peeked above the trees, overlooking a little cove that is home to 30-ish small vessels I was exactly at the "I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" part. It brought to mind an early Covid19 conversation / prayer with a fellow believer about fear, death, faith and why we believe; engendering such gratitude. So, I encourage you too, to process boldly in the face of today's challenges and people interactions, keeping in mind that your in God's presence. The beauty of creation is calling me to the still waters of the Atlantic, or maybe that's breakfast? Think about dwelling on the words above, because your choice has anointed you with His oil.
May the goodness and mercy of Jesus follow you, Kevin T. & your Deacons..