He MAKETH me to like down in green pastures…
He leadeth me beside the still waters…
he restoreth my soul.
For the past several months, I have been away from the flock, watching the sheep from another pasture, a pasture green with soft grass and quiet streams. The Shepherd constrained me to stay in the quiet pasture…alone. Even when I begged and pleaded to return to the flock, he compelled me stay, and then…he left me there. I was in “time out!” I waited impatiently for his return. Time passed and he did not come. During my isolation and loneliness, fear came to sit beside me. I send countless messages to the Shepherd to take me from this lonely place of fear and doubt and allow me to return to the flock.
When no answer came, I waited beside the still water somewhat petulantly. For the first time, I noticed that the grasses growing in the pasture were various shades of green, each blade possessing its own uniqueness and color. The endless assortment of herbs and flowers in the field soon fascinated me. I began taking pleasure in my surroundings, lying down in the tall grass and resting beside the still waters. The stream was kike a balm, but it was also like a mirror, reflecting my image on the calm surface. Looking into the depth of the stream, I could see myself, traveling at breakneck speed, forgetting to be quiet, to slow down, forgetting to notice that grass is not just a covering for the earth and that still waters run deep and hold fathomless beauty and serenity calming to the weary soul. After a time, the Shepherd returned and took me by the hand and returned me to the sheepfold. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters, he restoreth my soul.
I am wiser now, peaceful, inspired, and restored. I choose carefully the things that are necessary to my life and those that are not. I take time for what is truly important; things that add peace and joy to my life, and I remember that all that I do is weighed in the just balance of work and worship. If I forget this all-important principle, the shepherd will place me in “time out” again and will make my lie down. He loves me so…he is the good Shepherd.
©Ruth Carmichael Ellinger
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