What a perfect setting for pausing, pressing the brake, and taking everything in. The rest that we so long and sometimes hard to find. The warnings, the stop sign that our souls so long for, which often we are racers breaking the speed limit of our race.

Time to stop, refuel.

Yesterday I read Psalm 23 to a family grieving the loss of a husband, father, a son, a brother and a friend. I read the words of this classic Psalm, and I was reminded, convicted, and assured of Shepherd’s invitation to lay down on green pastures. What an invitation to connect with creation and wonder about our Creator’s endless creativity.
Psalm 23 is not just for those who grieve, but it is an invitation for those, like me, who find it hard to stop.

READ IT SLOWLY!

The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths,
bringing honour to his name. Even when I walk
through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honour me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.