Daily Devotion - Friday, July 23

In Need of Soulful Restoration

“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 2,3

I don't know how this week has been for you; I hope it has been meaningful. I do know that I've had to deal with yet another loss of a friend I have grown to love and respect, a friend who wasn't that much older than I am. I do not like these moments because the pastures don't feel green and the waters don't seem still when death visits.

I am hopeful that my friend's dear family will spend these next days and weeks, possibly even months and years discovering their green pastures, their still waters, their restoration of soul that feels depleted because a meaningful love has died.

The weekend is very near! I trust that I can start my restoration. I plan to spend time in Mother Earth tending to weeds that seem to forever spring up in my green pasture. Once again I'll need to mow the growing grass that has been encouraged by summer rainfalls. While working I'll think of men who left this sacred garden way too early – John, Dennis, Kipp, Mike, Estes, Jerry. I'll give thanks for their gifts I was privileged to receive. Come soulful restoration, come!

--Ben Keckler
07.23.10