The 23rd Psalm

The 23rd PSALM 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. My mother in law would recite this subconsciously as she lay in bed suffering through the last stages of breast cancer. It was more audible when she was more awake, of course. But there came a time when she was on pain medication consistently, even though she tried her best the entire fight to not use medication. In those times her words were slurred, lips barely moving. But those of us who knew her, knew her recitation. I hope that one day, when my mind is cloudy and my body is near the end, that I will be this kind of woman. The kind whose spirit and heart ar so engrained in Christ that I will also willingly and unkowingly sing His praises in my darkest hours.