Meditation: April 29, 2007

" The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters. " Psalm 23:1-2    

Reflection: This soothing psalm assures me God will be with me even in the darkest of times. God will provide all I need in this world, much as a gracious host would for a guest.

Today, as I finish these meditations, prepare dinner for company, practice the piano for my upcoming lesson, and complete reading and writing assignments for a class, I zero in on the words "makes me lie down in green pastures." Could God be inviting me to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the world around me?

Three years ago, my husband and I moved out to an acreage. Pastures, soon to be green, surround us. As I write this, red-tailed hawks, mates that produced two babies last year, rebuild their old nest. The sun sets—its beauty unobstructed by nearby buildings. Early spring flowers poke through the soil as tender light green shoots.

The Lord, my shepherd, makes me lie down in green pastures by inviting me to notice, to savor, to rest, to pray—to trust that my spirit will be nurtured and restored.

Prayer: May we respond to the invitation of our Lord to rest in the beauty of the created world. Amen

Question of the Week: How can I experience the arrival of spring this year with new appreciation?

Meditation written by Diane Glass of the St. John's Writing Team.