Listen

The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.

Psalm 23:1-3

Think

There is so much work to do.

There’s everyday work, all of our long to-do lists. Assignments and practices and clean-up-your-mess and eat-a-good-breakfast and don’t-forget-anything-important.

And there’s extraordinary work, all of our bucket lists and our dreams lists. There’s change-the-world work, taking stands and speaking out and walking with those who would otherwise be alone.

The same God who calls us to every kind of good work also takes us by the hand to places of rest. God doesn’t just show us green pastures but makes us lie down, feel the earth under our heads. God doesn’t just point out still waters or even send us off in the right general direction but leads us to the edge of the stream where we are refreshed.

Sometimes God leads us on the paths of work: keeping our everyday commitments, changing the world. And sometimes God leads us on the paths of rest: recharging us, refueling us, restoring us for the work ahead.

Nikki Finkelstein-Blair

Pray

I’m following you today, God, to a place where I can rest. Help me to be still, to feel safe, to find your paths. Amen.

Go

Ready? Stand up.

Gather yourself, take courage, reach out, walk on.

The Shepherd is leading, and the world is waiting!