Puddles, Still

I gaze at the puddles gathering on my deck and I wish them gone.

They speak of another damp, chilly spring day when I’m searching for summer. They nag me to don my navy rainboots and trench coat when I go outside. They force me to wipe the dog’s feet when she comes in from the backyard if I don’t want doggy footprints prancing across my floors.

But I catch my breath when they remind me of Psalm 23. How on Sunday our sermon, preached by Dr. Greg Thornbury, spoke to me of still waters.

How in Palestine the ground is either desert or suddenly filled with a turbulent flash flood from an unseen storm miles away. How still waters are difficult to discover. How the sheep that flock there desperately need a shepherd.

“The shepherd can look at the horizon and know what is going to happen and he leads us by the waters from which it is safe to drink,” says Dr. Thornbury.

I remember his words that sheep are followers, and I need to be a sheep. I learn that a sheep’s desires are not only met but determined by the shepherd.

I learn that despite all the safety and bounty I long for, the wilderness is the best place to be–a place with just enough sustenance to keep following Jesus.

God waits for me in the wilderness.

I look at the stillness of the puddles on my deck. How they reflect in unmoving lines the bronze railing enclosing them, the tree branches above them, and the tiniest flutter of green leaves.

I look at the puddles and see the sky. I see the hope of sun breaking through the layer of clouds, clouds that have been and will be again.

And I decide I need the puddles. I need the reminder that He leads me beside still waters. And I even need the wilderness, to know that I have just enough sustenance to keep longing to stay close to my Shepherd.

And I’m thankful for the puddles, which are still, on my deck.

Hope and Be.Longing

“He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2b)