Reflections on the 23rd Psalm While it is only Tuesday morning, it is never too early in the week to experience soothing words from the 23rd Psalm. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul." As spring unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around us. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don't we? The author seems to sey, "God leads me to the places he does and I know my needed renewal will be provided. Yes, God enables me to recapture my energy and move ahead." There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul. --Ben Keckler 05.15.12

Reflections on Psalm 23 Those who work with sheep tell us that sheep are easily frightened. They tell us that sheep can get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance, they need to be watched and protected and encouraged. The 23rd Psalm starts with the writer confessing the need of the soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that God is present to be my caregiver, my shepherd.” Imagine a shepherd and his flock of sheep in the barren, rocky and dry countryside of Biblical times. It wouldn’t take long for grasslands to disappear with a flock of sheep. The life of a shepherd was a life of constant movement, searching for a place where grass and water could nurture his animals. The writer must have felt like he needed some help getting nutrition but proclaims with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.” As we begin a new week of care giving at Hendricks Regional I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied. May you be blessed with the ability to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you. --Ben Keckler 05.14.12