The Green World

This week, my path wandered along the lake and into a thicket where I caught sight of a sleeping man. He was safely tucked behind a bed of bushes, eyes closed, face basking in the warm sun, chest opened to the sky.

We are made to lay down in God’s greening pastures, to be healed and forgiven, received and restored. We trust that goodness travels with us and that perfume and blossoms anoint us. The banquet is prepared for our friends, enemies and strangers, where our cup of joy overflows.

Today, how will I rest and let God love me?

Who will I invite to the table of joy?

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;[a]
3     he restores my soul.[b]
He leads me in right paths[c]
    for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[d]
    I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely[e] goodness and mercy[f] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.[g]