(If you are just here to glance, shoot down to the last 4 words and take them with you.)

I do not know what it is like to be a shepherd, but I do know when I am trying to care and when I am being cared for. The people on horses walk with the cattle to guide them and rescue when one goes astray. The fences that animals rub against, push through, jump over, or squeeze under are there to keep them (and others) from harm and to keep them where the resources are. Looking at the boundaries set for us can feel restrictive. They may indeed be so, but how we respond to them depends, I think, a lot on who placed the boundaries. Do the sheep follow anyone with a stick? Do cattle respond differently depending on the temperament of the person goading them? While they often seem like setbacks, restrictions play a key role

- perhaps the biggest role - in one’s freedom.

I am editing this on my mother’s birthday, April 30, and in 2020, after delivering to her a painting by a local artist. I bought it for her to go into the new house they are building, as they are overcoming losing their house in a fire (insurance helps a lot). That was a restriction, a fence, a boundary. Over the past year there have been a few restrictions placed on our life here, as well. But what of it? Do we drink a bitter cup each morning? Do we perpetuate the attitude of defeat?

I’m certain the calves painted below would love to roam the country side. They have no bad intentions or motives, but still they are restricted. Unbeknownst to them, highway 70 is just out of their sight. The greener grass they see would put them into contact with angry people and vehicles. Plus, that green grass dies. Hay does not roll itself or find them when they are hungry. They do not know what the future is - they have no concept of it. However, the owner knows what’s ahead. He is already planning on provision.

So, here we are with some restrictions on staying at home. Even though they are lifting, some people (who seem to love to choose sides just so they can express themselves) can’t agree if we should open the country or keep it closed. The restriction I feel here is one of psychology: I don’t want to be seen as careless if I go to work or get outside to pursue other things. Angst.

This is where what we believe about ourselves matters. If we think we are cosmic burps that started for no reason and will end with no purpose, then it is harder to believe that we ought to act in a way seen as “responsible” because what does that even mean? For others like me, however, since I do not believe Life is a random cosmic burp and since I believe in God, I have two sets of directions:

1 - do not fear

2 - love your neighbor

While I am not afraid of catching the virus, I hear it will have terrible consequences for me if I do (asthma) and for those whom I live with. At the same time, I will not make a show of myself by being crass and constantly verbalizing my bewilderment. If I am around people who are afraid and (overly) cautious, then I should care for them in that way - wear a mask if it makes them feel better, make sure they know I have clean hands, keep my hands to myself, stay several feet away - this is just basic respect, but it can carry over into serving your neighbor.

These boundaries - regardless of if we trust who put them in place - offer an opportunity to showcase humility. (Also, if we do get sick, we will wish we had not been a jerk.)

How can this lead to freedom? I suppose I will leave that for you to consider. Consider the difference between falling and flying, noise and music, floating and sailing, cultivation and allowance, and on and on…

(Here, for the record and for your information is a reasonable depiction of my work area. Some will see this as restrictive. I see it for what it is - picture at end)

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (There is nothing I need)

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.

A borrowed room

The only things in this picture that I own are the painting supplies and products
and the air filter (green lights).
The stool is 14 inches long and 16 inches tall.
The sitting area is under 3 feet square.
The wallpaper? I did not choose it.
The light is about $30 from Amazon and has brightness and temperature adjustments and is corded.
Restrict, Restructure, Redetermine, Release

Make Me Lie Down

Psalm 23