Note from Liz: As we watch the world struggling to come to terms with a new challenge, we too are making adjustments in our worship and habits. Every change we make is done as thoughtfully as we can out of love for our neighbors and our community. And, inevitably, change generates thoughts and ideas and questions. Over this next season I would LOVE it if you would take some time to reflect on how you are processing these changes. Read earlier reflections here, and send me your thoughts! The following reflection was written by Katherine.
This morning I came upon my neighbor Haywood, who asks for money from his wheelchair each day on a corner near my apartment. (I have a low-key theory that he is an angel, especially given the ministerial way he preaches to me on my lowest days.)
Discussing his fear of sickness, speech gravelly and nose dripping, Haywood told me that he began the day reading the 23rd Psalm. We exchanged lines of the psalm like some strange poetry slam. I walked away in tears considering Haywood, his back bent, praying, “you revive my drooping head.”
As pandemic confounds us all, let’s pray for confidence like Haywood’s that God is with us and can be trusted. And let’s be marked by our commitment to our neighbors.
Eugene Peterson taught us that the Christian education in joy is this: “what we have known of Him, we will know of Him.” May it be so.
Psalm 23, The Message
God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
~Katherine
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