First Day of Spring | Sunday, 20 March 2022

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It was Friday, April 20, 2020, the first day of Spring, that I began the daily thoughts shared with you for 410 days.  The Church Mouse would later begin to share some thoughts with you as well.  Today, Sunday, March 20, 2022, marks the anniversary.  I wanted to observe this anniversary by resending a portion of that first devotional.

Good morning neighbors.  I want to begin with what I believe to be one of the most comforting scriptures in the Bible.  It is well known to us as we learned it in our childhood and probably can still recite it on cue.  The version we learned is the King James translation.  Here is Psalm 23.
 
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
   he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my sol:
  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
  I will fear no evil: for thou art with  me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me
    in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
  my cup runneth over.
Surley goodness and mercy shall follow me
  all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
 
This Psalm is filled with imagery to fill our spirits.  What is it about this Psalm that you like so much?  Why are you drawn to it?  What are some of the images you have around this Psalm? 
 
You, our Lord, truly are a Shepherd who watches over your sheep.  In these uncertain days confronting us, we pray for your continued leading.  We need those still waters to calm our anxious spirits.  Help us to remain focused on your goodness and mercy.  We need you, God of us all.  This Psalm offers so much, and we find safety in your leading as our Shepherd.  Thank you for watching over our community and the world.  Give us peace, today.  Amen
 
As we all reflect on the journey we have made since March 20, 2020, let us continue to pray for those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 and the variants, for health care workers who are burned out from providing tender loving care.  Let us also keep up our thoughts and prayers for the people of Ukraine and this absolutely senseless Putin war. Pray for the refugees; for those fighting to protect their democracy; for the countries that have opened their arms to welcome and provide for the needs of the people fleeing.  For the Russian people to know the truth. Lord, hear the cries of your people.
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Have a Blessed day.   Doug