Recently, my thoughts have been drawn to the 23rd Psalm. David used his role as a shepherd
to describe his relationship with God. It
occurred to me that we really do not understand this metaphor today. Hardly
anyone knows someone who owns sheep, must less someone who is actually a
shepherd.
I then thought
that the closest parallel we have today might be the caretaker of a parent --
especially those who have the parents in their home, who are responsible for
them 24/7. What follows is a paraphrase of Psalm 23 from that perspective.
I think this is a
real need in our day. Even though the situations are different (some have
parents in the home, some have parents still living at home, some have parents
in a nursing or extended care facility or the home of a sibling) the emotions,
the struggles, the questions, the needs are very similar.
The Caretaker’s 23 Psalm
My Lord is my Caretaker, I shall
not want.
He makes me sit in a place
where I feel comfortable. He provides the food that I need and sometimes, I actually
like.
He keeps me refreshed and encouraged.
He makes me do what is best for
me although I may not understand why.
Death is closing in upon me and
it is easy for me to be afraid, but you are nearby. Your guiding hand, though
at times firm, and familiar voice, though sometimes stern, help calm my fears.
You are taking care of me as
best you can even though I have enemies – the disease that has invaded my body –
the condition that is robbing me of my memory – the doctors and nurses whom I
do not remember – my new environment that is not my home! (Oh, how I want to go
home!).
You make sure that I am cared
for – that I am bathed – that I am clothed – that I have a good bed – that my
medicines are taken.
You are caring for me better
than I could have imagined. (Some of the things you are doing, a child should never
have to do for or to a parent, but you are doing them!)
I may not be aware or
appreciate your loving service, but know this. It is clear that you are
determined that this care will continue until I say my last word, close my eyes
one more time and take my final breath. I rest in your care.
Danny Baer, 2016
