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