Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Irene’s had a rough day of intense nausea and fatigue brought on by a new diuretic.  She was instructed to use the diuretic on non dialysis days.  The side effects include dizziness, nausea and fatigue…YUK…!!!  She’s determined to terminate the use of this new prescription…at least for the time being.  All it’s done to date is exasperate her existing challenges…!!!

The beloved Psalm 23 has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for many through the ages.  The verse which is really compelling during this season is this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Why so, you ask?  It’s because we’re endeavoring to move BEYOND “the shadow of death”.  We’re reflecting upon God’s faithfulness, the true nature of Irene’s suffering and persevering spirit, and identifying the most significant life lessons that we’ve learned on this journey.  Perhaps those lessons learned in her darkest hours could be published in our next book…       

Thanks for caring,
Dave